STAR now offers guest access to student records

For some West Virginia University students, hiding bad grades just got a little more complicated.

In the fall, students will be able to offer parents guest access to their student accounts. A new parent/guest portal allows students to grant proxy access to STAR student information system in categories such as grades, financial aid, housing, dining and billing.

Students have likely received an email regarding changes to Family Education Rights and Privacy Act settings in STAR information system.

These changes are not limited to the Morgantown campus but will affect all West Virginia University campus locations.

FERPA is designed to guard student information from being used unnecessarily or without student permission. It is a secure way for parents to access the information students permit them to access.

As long as a student permits access, parents or guests can access STAR to pay bills and fees or view necessary student records. However, if the student has not granted this access, parents and guests will remain unable to access any student information. Students may also choose to revoke access at any time.

Starting Sept. 15, pins students formerly created for FERPA access will expire. Instead students must create passphrases.

If a student feels the University has failed to comply with their FERPA rights, they may file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office.

Visit http://ferpa.wvu.edu to find more information on FERPA, and for more information on the parent portal visit http://parent-guest.portal.wvu.edu.