What communication methods can I use to discuss a student’s record with them?

In person or via Zoom with their photo ID (OSU or government-issued)
OSU email
Beaver Hub, DocuSign, or other OSU platform requiring ONID login
Over the phone using an identification protocol (see below)

What is a reasonable protocol to identify a student over the phone?

First, determine if the student's question even requires identifying them (i.e., does your answer require releasing non-directory information?). If yes, proceed to step 2; if no, answer their questions.
Ask the student for their name and ID number.
Then, ask at least two or more questions only the student is likely to know (see the list of questions below).
Write down their answers and put the student on hold*.
While on hold, check your class roster or Canvas course to confirm the student's answers.
If answered correctly, you can share FERPA protected information over the phone to the student; do not share any information if the student is confidential.

Questions Only the Student is Likely to Know:

What grade did you earn on the last quiz?
What did we discuss when you last visited my office hours?
What grade did you earn in my class last year?
What feedback did I give you on your last paper?
Have you turned in all of your assignments? If not, which ones are missing?

*We recommend putting the caller on hold while you access the student database so that, should the student be confidential, you don't inadvertently say, "Oh, I see you are a confidential student." If you disclose this and it's not truly the student on the phone, you could put them in harm's way.