Which statement is true about a student's rights under FERPA once they turn 18?

Under FERPA, once a student turns 18, the rights to access their educational records shift from the parents to the student. This means that the student becomes the one who has the authority to control access to their education records, and the rights are automatically transferred to them upon reaching this age. Students can dictate who, if anyone, may have access to their records and can provide consent for the release of information.

This transfer of rights is fundamental to FERPA’s intent to protect the privacy and autonomy of students as they approach adulthood. As such, educational institutions must ensure that they comply with this regulation by treating the now-adult student as the primary owner of their educational records. It reinforces the idea that students have a right to privacy regarding their educational information, which is critical for maintaining confidentiality in their academic pursuits.