FERPA: How should we work with parents that want to help their child with a disability transition to the University of Minnesota from another college or university?

Since this student is not yet accepted to or enrolled at the University, he or she does not have the ability to give his or her parents access via the University's online tools. In these instances, it is appropriate to work with the student to send or fax a signed letter stating that he or she grants your office permission to speak with the parents about the student's process, educational record, outstanding requirements, etc. Unless the student has an activated University of Minnesota email address, you cannot accept an email from the student granting this permission. And, simply because the student has a disability doesn't mean that FERPA doesn't apply nor can you work with the parents without the students express written permission to do so.