All personally identifiable educational records maintained by the University and recorded as part of the normal business of the University are protected by FERPA (including grades, class schedule, fee assessments, scholarships, grants, work study, and loan amounts). The student and only the student may view his or her own records, unless specifically noted as an exception by FERPA. Some exceptions are:
There are other exceptions noted in FERPA which students may review on the Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office website.
Contact Registration and Records at 816-235-1125 or registrar@umkc.edu or visit the Family Policy Compliance Office website.
Some information within the educational record is defined as directory information and may be released without the student’s consent unless the student submits a written request to restrict the release of directory information. UMKC defines “Directory Information” to include the following:
Directory information may be made available to the public, which includes publication of an electronic student directory. All students’ names, addresses, email and telephone numbers will be included in the directory except those that request in writing to have directory information restricted. Students who restrict the release of directory information will not appear in the directory and no information will be released to the public from the students’ records. Information other than that identified as directory is confidential and is not released to third parties without the express written consent of the student.
At the secondary school level, parents have a right to review the student's records but that right is transferred to the student at the post-secondary school level. The parent does not have a right to inspect the records of the student.
Parents of dependent students as defined in the IRS Code of 1974 Section 152 are given the same rights to access as those given the student. UMKC requires a copy of the most recent federal income tax return to prove dependent status.
The student may grant the University permission to release their student records to a parent/guardian or spouse by providing written consent. The student must complete a separate form for each person to whom they wish to grant access. However, student records (registration, grades, GPA, balance due) are normally not released over the phone.
Parent/Spouse FERPA Consent Form (PDF)
Even with a FERPA release, we may not be able to release information about your student over the phone. We have to make sure we are not releasing information to someone the student has not approved, and it is difficult to verify identity over the phone.
The student may grant direct and authorized online access to their student information in Pathway, which may include:
In authorizing Additional Authorized Access (AAA) members, the student acknowledges that the university is not responsible for any unauthorized disclosure of student information by the authorized member.
Students have the right to revoke this access at any time.
UMKC’s student information system is called Pathway. This is a secure web site where students can go to add and drop classes, view their student account and financial aid, update their address(es) and phone number(s), see if they have a hold on their account, pay their bill and much more.
Note: UMKC wants to help make the transition from high school to college as easy as possible and help facilitate communication between you and your student. We have discovered that there are less likely to be errors when the student handles as much of their own business with the university as possible. Thus, we urge you to be a supporter and a coach as your student navigates his or her educational experience.
