State law requires North Carolina community colleges to share the educational records of any student younger than 18, without their consent, to the following:

• The student's parent or legal guardian if the student is claimed as a dependent on the parent's or guardian's federal tax return
• Administrators and counselors of a high school if the student is dually enrolled

Educational records include the following:

• Academic records, such as grades, schedules and attendance records
• Student conduct infractions and disciplinary actions
• Financial aid information
• Other education records covered by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Students under age 18 must sign a form before registering for class acknowledging that they're aware of the records-sharing requirement. Wake Tech will maintain the one-time acknowledgement until the student turns 18, when FERPA regulations apply.

Parents and guardians may opt out of receiving the educational records of minor students. Choosing to do so doesn't affect any other rights under FERPA.

For more information, email [email protected].