FERPA is permissive in nature in that WSU may release information to parents but is not required to do so even with a release from the student. WSU is required to release student’s educational record to the student.
When the student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. This means that parents may not obtain any of their student's education records without the written consent of the student.
Since student grades are part of the education record, they are protected under FERPA and, therefore, may not be released to parents. Students have access to their semester grades through myWSU.
In addition, students may provide third party access for their parent to view grades and other portions of their education record via myWSU.
It is important to note that WSU does not have a means for students to unilaterally waive their FERPA rights. WSU's procedure requires each release of any portion of the student's education record to a person or entity outside of the University to be individually approved by the student by working with the releasing department.
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Education's brochure, "Parents' Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Rights Regarding Children's Education Records."