Your Privacy, Your Rights

As a college student, managing the confidentiality of your educational information and records becomes your responsibility. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a law that protects your right to determine the level of privacy that makes sense for you. At MSU Texas, we are committed to making sure you know your options so you can make informed decisions about your rights and privacy.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a United States federal law that applies to most colleges and universities and protects the confidentiality of student educational information and records.
Three smiling students happily pose for a picture inside the Dining Hall in Clark Student Center during the first day of classes.

Understanding Your Rights

We are committed to protecting the rights and privacy of our students. In accordance with current FERPA guidelines, no information about a student or student's account will be released to anyone but the student unless a Student Information Release Form is on file.

Do You Want to Allow Others to Access Your Information?

If you would like to allow others (for example, your parent or guardian) to access your information, you will need to complete the Student Information Release Form.
A student poses outside of Clark Student Center with her parents, as her dad holds up the Mustangs Hand Sign during Family Weekend.

Designating Authorized Users

In keeping with federal guidelines, no one but you will have access to information about your student account unless a release of information is on file. If you would like, you can choose to designate an authorized user (such as a parent or guardian) to make a tuition payment on your behalf and access billing information. To set this up, log in to your student portal, click on the Touchnet link and select the Authorized User tab.
A man holds a pen at the top of a form filled with empty lines. He needs to fill out the information the form is asking him to require.

What Information Can Be Released?

  • Academic Records
  • Billing, Tuition, & Fees
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Conduct
  • Housing
  • Faculty/Professors

Student Information and FERPA FAQs

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a United States federal law that applies to most colleges and universities and protects the confidentiality of a student's educational information and records. At MSU Texas, we are committed to protecting your rights and privacy, so none of your educational information will be released unless you complete a Student Information Release Form.

What constitutes confidential educational information under FERPA?

Confidential educational information includes but is not limited to information on grades, billing, tuition and fees, financial aid, discipline, and housing assignments.

How do I allow others to access my educational information and records?

At MSU Texas, we do not disclose any educational information about a student to anyone but the student unless a release of information is on file. If you would like to grant access to your educational information and records (for example, your parent or guardian), you will need to complete a Student Information Release Form.

Where can I learn more about FERPA?

Visit the Department of Education's website for the full breakdown of everything you need to know about FERPA. It is a great resource for students and their parents. And if there is anything you need in the meantime, we are happy to help! You are always welcome to email the Business Office at bus.office@msutexas.edu or call (940) 397-4101.
MSU Texas Business Office

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Teller Window Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:15 AM - Noon
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

We are located in the Hardin Administration Building
(Building 23 on the Campus Map)
Campus Map

Have Questions?

Business Office (940) 397-4101 (940) 397-4302