» Parents & Families » Before Arriving
Students can grant parents or other trusted individuals access to their financial and academic information. To do this, two separate authorizations must be completed. These authorizations allow:
online access to account information and payments
the ability for offices to share verbal information with authorized individuals
online access to grades and financial aid details
Encourage your student to set this up early if they want you to help manage or review their university information.
Northwest follows the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. This means grades and other academic information are confidential and cannot be shared with anyone — including parents — unless the student gives written permission.
If you have questions about a grade or class concern, the first step is always to talk with your student.
FERPA does allow certain information, known as “directory information,” to be released without written consent. This includes:
name, age, address, phone number, and email
major and enrollment status
participation in activities or athletics
athletic weight and height
dates of attendance
degrees and awards
most recently attended educational institution
photographic, video, or electronic images
If a student prefers that this information not be released, they can request a directory information hold by contacting the Office of the Registrar within the first ten days of the term.
