What about FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication about a student of concern if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

UMass Lowell faculty and staff may disclose personal identifiable information from an educational record to appropriate individuals in connection with a health and safety concern. Additionally, information can be shared with university personnel when there is a specific need to know and should be limited to the essentials of university business. Such information should be shared with appropriate consideration for student privacy.

If faculty or staff are not sure whether information should be released or to whom it should be released, questions or concerns should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs. If it is an emergency, Campus Police should be contacted immediately.


If you have a concern for a student’s immediate safety, do not hesitate to call the UMass Lowell Police at 978-934-4911 to have them assess the situation.