PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Villanova University values the partnership it shares with parents and families while also respecting the privacy rights of its students. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that governs access to student education records and guides how the University may share student information.
Once a student enrolls at Villanova, FERPA rights belong to the student—regardless of age or financial dependency.
Under FERPA:
- Parents and guardians do not automatically have access to their student’s education records.
- Villanova generally cannot share non‑directory information (such as grades, GPA, transcripts, or academic standing) without the student’s written consent.
- This applies even if a parent or guardian:
- Pays tuition or fees
- Claims the student as a dependent for tax purposes
Villanova encourages open communication between students and their families. Parents and guardians can:
- Talk directly with their student about academic progress and campus life.
- Encourage their student to share information or grant authorized access if desired.
Students may choose to provide consent allowing parents or family members access to specific information through Proxy Management process. This access can be modified or revoked by the student at any time. More information and instructions can be found here:
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Education's brochure, A Parent Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)