Office of the University Registrar

Student Privacy

Information for Parents

• May I access my child’s academic record?

  • Under FERPA, when a student reaches 18 years of age or enrolls at a postsecondary institution such as George Mason University, the rights afforded to the parents of a student automatically transfer to the student.
    

• What are my child’s grades?

  • George Mason University does not mail grades to students or to their parents. Grades are available for students to view online through Patriot Web. Students wishing to share their grades with their parents can submit a request for a transcript, which then will be mailed to an address of their choice.

• What is my child’s email address and major?

  • Email address and major information for students is available via the Mason People Finder.

• May I obtain proof of my child's enrollment?

  • Enrollment verification may include directory and/or nondirectory information. If nondirectory information is provided, student consent is required. There are several options that may allow you access to enrollment verification for insurance purposes:

    (1) The student may request an enrollment verification for you or have it mailed to you.
    (2) Insurance companies, parents and students can also obtain enrollment verification directly from the National Student Clearinghouse, the university's authorized agent.
• What if I Have Power of Attorney?

  • A notarized power of attorney must authorize access to academic records specifically or be a general power of attorney, which covers any and all documents. If all legal requirements are met, the individual listed on the power of attorney will be treated in the same manner as would the student. Unless there is a stated expiration date, the power of attorney does not expire.

 

Important note: This information has been developed by the Office of the University Registrar to give general information about FERPA and to acquaint students, parents, faculty and staff with some of the privacy issues surrounding students' educational records. It is not intended as nor is it a substitute for legal advice on any particular issue.