Student Information & Records
What do I need to know about FERPA?
Cornell College, in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (FERPA), protects the confidentiality of student records and the individual student's right to privacy. This means that you are the sole owner of your student records and data, your family or other entities will not have access to this information unless you explicitly give them permission to access part or all of it. FERPA rights include your academic records, student account information, and publicly visible directory information.
Confidentiality of Student Records Policy
Keeping your student records current
As the sole owner of your student data, it is up to you to update your personal information and release any information to authorized people outside the college. You have the option to update this information at any time while you are a current student.
While we are here to help you navigate the systems if you’re having trouble, we cannot change your records for you.
Use Student Information Sharing to:
- Verify contact information or update release permissions and relationships (i.e., who are your parents in Cornell’s official records)
- Share your grades, billing information, etc. securely with others.
- Authorize release of records to your parent/spouse/guardian, or to revoke such release.
Change your directory information/address
Keep your contact information up to date by making sure we have your most current phone number, personal email, and home address.
Changing your name or identifying information
We want to be sure that your student record matches your personal identity: name, gender, and pronouns. You can choose to change your preferred information (how we identify you on campus but not your permanent records) or change your legal information (requires legal documents and changes your permanent records.)
Who can see your student records?
Your student records are visible to the following college resources and only utilized in official capacity to assess your academic progress and manage your student accounts.
- Office of the Registrar staff
- Student Accounts staff
- Student Success Center staff
- Your Academic Advisor(s)
- Athletics staff (if applicable)
When you apply for a student leadership position or are recommended for an honor society like Mortar Board, the decision making committee may ask to review your academic record. You must release information to them before they can see it.