FERPA Faculty Training

Required Training for Instructors and Teaching Assistants

  • Scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, each instructor of record and teaching assistant for a course must complete the required FERPA training at least every two years.
  • This new requirement is published in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) as of April 30, 2025. View HOP 2-9970 here.
  • Eligible instructors and TAs will get an email to their official Workday email contact notifying them to complete the asynchronous training in UTLearn once assigned.

Project Timeline:

  • Fall 2024: Project team assembled
  • Spring 2025: Needs Analysis, Subject Matter Expert Interviews, Content Design & Prototyping
  • Summer 2025: User Testing & Revisions
  • Fall 2025: Training launch in UT Learn

Background on the Project

Given instructor access to private student data, it’s essential they understand the basics of FERPA policies, common risk scenarios within the classroom, and how to properly report any unauthorized disclosures. The Office of Academic Technology, Center for Teaching & Learning, Enterprise Learning Technology, Learning & Development, and University Risk & Compliance Services are developing a new training based on UT  instructor needs related to FERPA. The content team conducted a needs analysis to identify common FERPA knowledge gaps and violation areas to address in the training.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is FERPA?
    • FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is a federal law that pertains to the release of and access to educational records. The law, also known as the Buckley Amendment, applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the US Department of Education. Visit ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco to learn more.
  • Who needs to complete the training?
    • Each instructor of record and teaching assistant for an academic course must complete the required FERPA training at least every two years.
  • When do I need to complete the training?
    • The training is expected to launch in UTLearn tentatively in Fall 2025.
  • How do I get notified if I need to complete the training?
    • UTLearn will notify you via email approximately 30 days and 7 days before your training is due. If your training remains incomplete after the due date, additional email reminders are sent to you and your EID will be blocked from accessing student information systems. If you have not completed the training 30 days after the due date, your supervisor will be notified. You and your supervisor will be reminded every 30 days after your due date until you complete the training.
    • Because this training is required as part of your job with the University, your unit director, dean, and/or HR representative may also be notified. Training information is also regularly reported to the Executive Compliance Committee.
    • The training notification system uses the email address linked to your profile in Workday (the university’s HR system). You are responsible for ensuring that your email address is current and is an official university provided email address (visit Acceptable Use of Information Resources). You may update your email address at any time by going to Workday, clicking on Personal Information, then clicking on Contact Information.
  • Who can I go to with questions on this new requirement?
Helpful FERPA Resources
Open Comment Form

Have questions about the FERPA Training requirement or wish to provide feedback?

Submit Feedback
Contact us