Overview

Leon’s Law (NC, 2023) grants parents of students 18 or younger statutory access to all student records at North Carolina community colleges. Key compliance requirements include:

Students under 18 must sign an acknowledgment form at registration.
Parents can opt out of access (though uncommon).
Parents requesting records must provide proof of guardianship before access is granted.

Implementation Model Using Element451

Community colleges can use Element451 to manage Leon’s Law compliance through the following approach:

Student acknowledgments and opt-outs are collected using Element forms.
Targeted student segments track completion of required forms and provide visibility into compliance status.
Automated messaging and/or Jobs encourage students to complete forms promptly.
Parent opt-outs are monitored through a calculated segment, with compliance labels automatically attached to the corresponding student profiles.
Data requests are processed through a defined workflow:
- Faculty or research staff provide the relevant records.
- Counselors or compliance officers ensure the parent’s request is completed and logged properly.

This setup ensures end-to-end management of acknowledgment tracking, opt-outs, and parental requests within Element451, maintaining both compliance and efficiency.

Recommended Process for NC Colleges

Step 1. Student Acknowledgment Collection

Create an Element form requiring acknowledgment of Leon’s Law conditions.
Configure mandatory completion before registration can be finalized.
Upload student segments (under-18 registrants) to track acknowledgments.
Use automated messaging with links to the form and a clear call-to-action.
Leverage Bolt AI reminders for non-compliant students.

Step 2. Parent Opt-Out Process

Add a section in the student form or create a dedicated parent opt-out form.
Use a calculated segment in Element to track opt-out submissions.
Attach an “Opt-Out” label to affected student profiles for easy reference.

Step 3. Parent Data Request Verification

Provide a parent-facing form for requests.
Require the upload of legal documentation verifying guardianship.
Configure Element relationships to tie parent records to students.
Route approved requests to the appropriate academic office (instructor/research/counseling).

Step 4. System Automation

Use Element workflows to:

Notify staff when a parent request is submitted.
Trigger compliance labels/flags on student records.
Generate reports of acknowledgment and opt-out completion rates.

Step 5. Compliance Oversight

Assign clear departmental responsibilities:

Registrar: ensures completion of acknowledgment before enrollment.
Counselor/Advising: coordinates data requests.
Faculty/Research: provides requested student data.

Set up monthly compliance reports to ensure ongoing coverage.

Form Examples

Law Student Acknowledgment Form

Section 1: Acknowledgment of Leon’s Law

North Carolina’s Leon’s Law (2023) provides that the parents or legal guardians of students under the age of 18 enrolled in a North Carolina community college have the right to access all information related to the student’s education and experience at the institution.

By signing below, you acknowledge that:

You are under the age of 18 as of the date of enrollment.
You understand that your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have the right to access your educational records and information under Leon’s Law.
You understand that your parent(s)/guardian(s) may choose to opt out of this access if they so desire.

☐ I acknowledge and understand the terms outlined above.

Section 2: Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Name
Relationship to Student
Email Address
Phone Number

Section 3: Parent/Guardian Access Preference

Please select one option below:

☐ Grant Access — I wish to retain my right to access my child’s educational records and information under Leon’s Law.

☐ Opt Out — I choose to waive my right to access my child’s educational records and information under Leon’s Law.

Note: This opt-out decision may be changed at any time by submitting a new version of this form.

Section 4: Certification and Signatures

Student Signature

I affirm that I have read and understood the information above.

Signature
Date

Parent/Guardian Signature

I affirm that I am the lawful parent or guardian of the student named above, and the information provided is accurate.

Signature
Date

Leon’s Law: Opt-Out Form

Section 1: Overview

Under Leon’s Law (North Carolina, 2023), parents or legal guardians of students under the age of 18 enrolled in a North Carolina community college have the right to access all information related to the student’s education and experience at the institution.

By submitting this form, you are choosing to opt out of that right and waive access to your child’s educational records as provided under Leon’s Law.

Section 2: Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Name
Relationship to Student
Address
City, State, ZIP
Email Address
Phone Number

Section 3: Opt-Out Declaration

Please read carefully and select the acknowledgment below:

☐ I understand that under Leon’s Law, I have the right to access my child’s educational records and information.

☐ I voluntarily choose to waive this right and opt out of receiving access to my child’s educational records and information.

I understand that:

This opt-out is voluntary and can be revoked at any time by submitting a new form.
The institution will maintain this form as part of the student’s official record.
Revocation of this opt-out will take effect upon submission of a new, signed form.

Section 4: Certification and Signatures

Parent/Guardian Signature

I affirm that I am the lawful parent or guardian of the student named above and that the information provided on this form is accurate. I understand the implications of opting out under Leon’s Law.