Frequently Asked Questions |
I had easy access to my student’s school records when they were in high school. Why
don’t I have the same access to them at UCM?
Under FERPA, the access rights that parents and legal guardians had in the elementary
and secondary school setting are transferred to students once a student is attending
any post-secondary educational institution. Age of the student is not a factor.
UCM does not have a "parent portal" where families can check student academic information
online. Students may designate authorized users to the financial portal.
Can my student grant me or another third party access to his/her educational records?
Yes. Students who wish to give consent for the release of their academic information
may fill out an Authorization for Release of Educational Records form and turn it into the Office of the Registrar in the Ward Edwards building, room
1000 (660-543-4900). The form may also be faxed to 660-543-8400 or e-mailed to registrar@ucmo.edu.
This consent will remain active for currently enrolled students until the student
requests in writing to have it removed or changed. If a student graduates or leaves
UCM, this form will be void.
Please note, UCM does not have a "parent portal" where families can check student
academic information online. Students may designate authorized users to the financial
portal.
How does my student learn about his/her grades? Will students be notified if they
are put on academic probation or suspended/dismissed from UCM?
Information about grades is available to students in MyCentral. Grade reports are
not mailed or e-mailed to students. Students are notified of academic standing via
e-mail at the end of each semester if they are not in good academic standing.
Will I be notified if my student is hurt or in danger?
In the event of a potentially life-threatening emergency, FERPA allows parents or
guardians to be notified without prior consent from the student. In those rare events,
the University will make every reasonable effort to notify parents about the situation.
Most situations, however, do not constitute an imminently life-threatening danger
and parents would not be contacted without the student’s permission. We urge students
to provide the University with emergency contact information. Students may do so in
MyCentral.
Will I be notified if my student is in violation of alcohol or controlled substance
rules?
FERPA permits a college or university to inform parents of students under the age
of 21 when the student has violated any law or policy concerning the use or possession
of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Will UCM disclose law enforcement unit records to parents or to the public?
Under FERPA, schools may disclose information from "law enforcement unit records"
to anyone - including parents or federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities
- without the consent of the eligible student. Many colleges and universities have
their own campus security units. Records created and maintained by these units for
law enforcement purposes are exempt from the privacy restrictions of FERPA and can
be shared with anyone.
Where can I learn more about FERPA?
Read UCM’s detailed guidelines, “Policy Implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act at the University
of Central Missouri,” to learn more about how FERPA is handled at UCM. Copies of this document may also
be obtained in the Registrar’s Office in Ward Edwards, suite 1000.
Visit the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers webpage.
Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA webpage.