You’ve probably started thinking about some of the big decisions you’ll make during college to help you meet your long-term goals. You’re getting a taste of that now as you choose where to live, what classes to take, and how to get involved. One important decision you can make now involves managing your educational record — including details about your academic performance, billing, and financial aid.
Privacy laws change in college
Until a student graduates from high school, educational information can be shared directly with family members by the school. During your high school years, your family likely has been informed about your academic performance, course expectations, and any support you may have needed to be successful.
When you become a college student, ownership of your educational record passes to you, and your data becomes protected by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We understand that you still may wish to share important information like billing statements and financial aid information with family or other trusted individuals who will be supporting you along the way. FAMweb is your tool for doing this.
How FAMweb works
Just as RAMweb is the online portal that students use to access information about educational records, FAMweb is the portal designed for family or important members of your support system to have access to specific information about your CSU experience — as you choose. From within your RAMweb account, you can designate specific individuals to have secure online access to selected educational records in FAMweb. You have the right and responsibility to grant or withdraw access and to update these records any time.
Information you can share
Through FAMweb, you can choose to grant trusted individuals access to the following information:
- eBilling information (including CSU payment plan)
- Financial aid information
- Grades for last completed term
- Unofficial transcript
- Weekly class schedule
- Tax information
You can choose to share as much or as little as you’d like. Choosing what pieces of information to share may require a conversation with those you think can support you.
Why it’s important
Extra support
Often times parents, family members, or other trusted individuals can be more supportive if they know more about their student’s experience and performance. These individuals want to celebrate the successes and provide additional help if needed along the way. It can help students stay on track toward their goals to have trusted individuals familiar with their progress.
Billing and payment access
For many students, their support system helps to fund their education. Providing access to billing statements in FAMweb allows these individuals to receive account updates and information. Decisions regarding scholarships and financial aid may be easier when students and supporters can come together and have conversations informed by details available in FAMweb.
Weigh your options
We encourage you to think about what’s best for you and your family or other trusted individuals in your life. Commit to having a conversation about how you will keep them informed. Consider ways in which sharing information will help these individuals best support you and your success at CSU.
