Michaela, It's difficult for parents supporting their children's college education to be restricted on obtaining information without their child's consent. Some schools have the student sign the release during the enrollment and financial aid process which may be a better time to get such consent. Later, after a student has started, or even during orientation when many schools collect such paperwork, the student may be less inclined to do so. FERPA guidelines at least provide the structure to balance security and privacy with ability to share information properly. Traci Lee