General Policy
Release of Information

All records and conversations between an aid applicant, his/her family and the FAO staff are confidential and entitled to the same protection ordinarily given in a counseling relationship. FHSU assures the confidentiality of student educational records in accordance with university rules, state and federal law including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Generally, all currently enrolled and former students have the right to review their records or receive personal information when proper identification is provided. All students are encouraged to review the university's Privacy Rights and Notification Rights statement. With regard to financial assistance information, parents of dependent students can also receive information if they are listed as a parent and their Social Security number is provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Requests for personal information protected by FERPA via phone or e-mail can be given when the identity of the requester can be verified and the requester is entitled to receive such information. All phone and e-mail requests for information will be required to provide the Social Security number of the applicant and the date of birth. In addition, parents seeking to receive information will have their identity verified by their own SSN as provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Parents whose SSN is not listed on the dependent student's application will not be given access to information.

Students who wish to designate another person, such as a spouse, to receive information must complete a Release of Information Authorization form and return it to the FAO. All authorizations will remain in effect until the student cancels the authorization in writing.

Release of Information Authorization

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