SMCC students can now complete and manage FERPA releases through Anthology Student, making it easier to authorize a trusted person to receive selected information about their student record.
A FERPA release allows a student to 2027give permission for the College to share certain information with a parent, family member, spouse, partner or trusted friend. Completing a release is optional, and students decide who is authorized, what information may be shared and how long the authorization will remain active.
Having a FERPA release on file can be helpful when unexpected circumstances make it difficult for a student to contact the College or manage time-sensitive matters. These situations may include a hospitalization, medical emergency, extended illness, family emergency, unexpected trip, military deployment or limited access to a phone, email or the internet.
A release may allow an authorized person to communicate with SMCC about matters such as registration, financial aid, billing or other student services when the student is temporarily unable to do so.
Without a student’s authorization, SMCC generally cannot disclose information from the student’s education record to another person, including a parent, spouse, partner or family member.
Students remain in control
Completing a FERPA release does not give another person control over a student’s education or automatically allow that person to make decisions on the student’s behalf.
Students choose:
- Who may receive information
- What categories of information SMCC may share
- How long the authorization remains active
Students may review or update their authorization through Anthology Student.
How to complete a FERPA release
Students can add an authorized person by following these steps:
- Log in to the MySMCC portal.
- Open the Anthology Student Portal.
- Select “My Profile” from the left-hand menu.
- Select “My FERPA.”
- Select “Add Person.”
- Enter the person’s contact information and relationship to the student.
- Select the categories of information SMCC is authorized to share.
- Review and submit the form.
Students should choose someone they trust to handle their information responsibly and should discuss what information may be shared and when the person should contact the College.
A FERPA release does not provide access to a student’s MySMCC username or password, grant legal or financial decision-making authority, or replace a power of attorney, health care directive or other legal document.
Students should never share their SMCC login credentials with anyone.
For assistance locating or completing the FERPA release form, visit www.smccME.edu/ferpa or contact the SMCC Dean of Students: smccdeanofstudents@mainecc.edu, 207-741-5544