🏫 College Advising

A parent calls a college advisor expressing concern about their son's recent poor grades and demands to know his exact academic standing and attendance records. The son is 19 years old. How should the advisor primarily respond, considering common university policy and federal regulations?

A Immediately provide all requested information to the parent, as they are paying tuition.
B Inform the parent that due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student information cannot be disclosed without the student's explicit consent.
C Offer to mediate a meeting between the parent and the son's professors without the son's knowledge.
D Suggest the parent contact the university president directly for the information.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Under FERPA, once a student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution, their educational records are protected. Advisors cannot disclose non-directory information to parents without the student's written consent, even if parents pay tuition.

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