Office of the University Registrar (“OUR”) adheres to high standards to safeguard student records governed under applicable privacy laws, including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”) (also known as “the Buckley Amendment”). FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of, and access to, student education records.
Students' parents, guardian, or support system (family members) play such an important role in our students’ success. We want you to know that we value your partnership and that we look forward to working together to help your student succeed. Temple University expects all students to follow the Student Code of Conduct, adhere to academic policies and process, and be respectful and truthful in their engagement with the University staff.
Extenuating Circumstances
If you become aware that your student is experiencing extenuating circumstances, please contact the CARE Team immediately. Temple University’s CARE Team is a multidisciplinary body of stakeholders from across the university which receives referrals pertaining to students exhibiting behaviors that arouse concern, collects additional information, and then identifies and enacts appropriate strategies for addressing the situation.
Policies and Process
Most, if not all, university policies and processes exist to satisfy regulatory requirements emanating from numerous state, federal, and accreditation agencies. In some cases, this places significant restrictions on our ability to be flexible. If your student is requesting a policy exception, here is a general expectation:
- The request for a policy exception should be based on an extenuating circumstance.
- Documentary evidence should be provided to support the extenuating circumstance.
- The argument for considering an exception should explain why the normal process was not followed.
- Submitting a petition does not imply a favorable outcome.
Privacy and Confidentiality
As required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, Temple University cannot disclose a student's non-directory education records without the written consent of a student or without proof that the student is the tax dependent of the parent. A student must designate a parent or family member as a FERPA-waived contact for a University official to disclose academic information. To designate a FERPA-wavied contact, your student should follow these steps:
- Log into TUportal.
- Click on the Student Tools tab..
- In the Records Channel, click on FERPA Waiver Menu.
- Click on FERPA Contacts to add or remove a contact.
Requesting student records or documents
If academic records or related documents for your students are required for legal reasons, you may consult the Office of University Counsel. For all other reasons, please have your student request their records to be sent to you directly.
Communication from the University
Your student will receive many emails from the University with information that may be of interest. Regardless, we suggest paying very close attention to emails because it is our official method of communication. We hold students accountable for reading the important emails and taking action as required.