Winthrop University policy regarding access to student records (such as grades, grade-point averages, and class rank) is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, commonly known as FERPA or "The Buckley Amendment."  Under this law, students have the right to inspect and challenge the accuracy of information contained in their Winthrop educational record.

   Also, these regulations restrict Winthrop to the release of certain records only to the student (current or former) and to certain other authorized school and government personnel, except with the student's prior written consent to release the records to another specified person.  Without this consent, Winthrop cannot release a student's records even to parents, spouses, or family members except in one instance.  Parents or guardians of a student may be given access to certain of the student's records if the parents or guardians sign a statement in the Office of Records and Registration and provide proof that they have claimed the student as a dependent on their last federal income tax return.

   The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act does allow the University to release the following information (not considered private records) unless the student requests this information be withheld: student's name, address, telephone number, email address, date and place of birth, enrollment status (full- or part-time), dates of attendance, date of graduation, major field of study, degrees and awards received, most recent previous educational institution attended, eligibility for honor societies, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams and other similar information. A student who does not want this information released must make a written request to the Registrar by the close of the registration period for the semester or term in which the student is enrolled.

   As a matter of practice, Winthrop does not sell or give away lists which are in unpublished or computerized form to any outside agency, individual or business. Questions concerning Winthrop's policy for release of academic information should be directed to the Office of Records and Registration, 126 Tillman Hall.