Leon's Law

WHAT IS LEON'S LAW?

Leon’s Law is a North Carolina state law that allows eligible parents or legal guardians to request certain education records for students who are under 18 and enrolled in college coursework. The law works alongside FERPA, the federal student privacy law.

 

WHO DOES LEON'S LAW APPLY TO?

Leon’s Law applies when:

  • The student is under 18
  • The student is enrolled in college courses (including CCP or Early College)
  • The parent or guardian claims the student as a dependent on their most recent U.S. federal tax return

If these conditions are not met, FERPA rules apply and student consent is required.

 

WHO CAN REQUEST RECORDS?

Only a parent or legal guardian of an eligible student may request records under Leon’s Law. Requests must be submitted through RCC’s official procedures:

 

WHAT RECORDS CAN BE SHARED?

With a verified request, RCC may share:

  • Final grades
  • Course schedules
  • Academic standing
  • Attendance records
  • Disciplinary records
  • Other official education records allowed under FERPA

WHAT PARENTS OR GUARDIANS MUST COMPLETE

Parents or guardians requesting access must:

  • Call the Registrar’s Office at 336-633-0200
  • Provide the 4-digit PIN
  • The Registrar’s Office will then provide allowable information as requested

All requests must be submitted through official RCC forms. Requests made by phone, email, or in-person without documentation cannot be processed.

 

WHAT STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE

All students under 18 must:

  1. Complete the Leon’s Law Student Acknowledgement Form via CFNC application or Self-Service
    • This acknowledgement is required before registration
    • Students will not be permitted to register for classes until it is submitted
  1. Complete the following:
    • Have their parent or guardian complete the Parent Certification Form verifying dependent status
    • Assign their parent/ guardian a 4-digit PIN

 

PROTECTING STUDENT PRIVACY AT RCC

Randolph Community College is committed to balancing family involvement with student privacy and legal compliance.

  • All requests are carefully reviewed
  • Records are released only to authorized individuals
  • Information sharing is limited to what the law permits
  • College staff cannot provide informal updates or unofficial access

Frequently Asked Questions

Leon’s Law does not allow:

  • Weekly or assignment-level grade updates
  • Access to online course platforms
  • Parents attending or observing classes
  • Meetings with instructors without the student present and consenting
  • Informal or real-time academic updates

No. Disability-related records and accommodations are protected by federal law and are only shared with student consent.

If the student is not claimed on a U.S. federal tax return, Leon’s Law does not apply. Parents must have a FERPA Release Form completed by the student to access records.

Once the student turns 18, Leon’s Law no longer applies. Education records are protected under FERPA, and parent access requires student authorization unless dependency documentation is provided under FERPA.

Students under 18 must complete:

  • The Leon’s Law Student Acknowledgement Form, and
  • Either a FERPA Release Form or a Parent Certification Form

Parents requesting records must submit the appropriate Leon’s Law Parent Request Form and provide verification information.

No. All requests must be submitted through RCC’s official forms. Staff cannot release information without completed documentation.

Yes. Parents may choose not to receive records by submitting the optional Leon’s Law Opt-Out Form.

Parents and guardians must call the appropriate college personnel based on the student’s enrollment type, along with the PIN the student selected. Once submitted:

  • Requests are reviewed and verified by college staff
  • Information is released only if all requirements are met
  • Processing may take up to 45 days, consistent with FERPA guidelines

For policy questions:

Contact the Registrar’s Office at 336-633-0200.

For record requests:

For Traditional College Students, contact the Registrar’s Office at 336-633-0200.

For College and Career Promise (current high school students), contact the High School Hub at 336-633-4913.