When may school officials release private education records to family members?
It depends on a number of factors; some situations do not require the student’s consent. For example, where the health or safety of the student or others is in danger, school officials may release information in order to deal with that emergency. Those are rare situations. In most circumstances, family members will need to show a signed, dated authorization for release of information. A form that has been developed for this use is located in the student services office at each M State campus. However, any document that includes the following would be valid: who is authorized to release the information; to whom the information may be released; what information may be released; the purpose for which the information may be used; the student’s signature; and a date. A simple e-mail from the student is not a sufficient authorization. Send the completed form to: Dean of Student Services at the campus your student is attending. An original release form is not required. School officials may ho
