Communication between universities and parents/guardians regarding the campus experience of their student is a topic of much discussion. Students arrive on campus expecting considerable independence and respect for their privacy. Parents/guardians continue to be vitally interested in the education and well-being of their student.
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« is guided by the principle that students’ active involvement in their own education enhances their learning and development. In keeping with this principle, the University considers its primary relationship to be with its students. Accordingly, the University will generally communicate information to students rather than to parents/guardians, regardless of the student’s age. This practice is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal law governing the privacy of educational records.
There are some limited circumstances in which the University may communicate directly with parents/guardians. If the University determines that there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, FERPA allows disclosure of information to appropriate parties whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
In making a determination to disclose information, the University may take into account the totality of the circumstances pertaining to a threat to the health or safety of the student or other individuals. An emergency can be related to the threat of an actual, impending, or imminent emergency. An emergency can also be a situation in which a student gives sufficient, cumulative warning signs that lead the school official to believe the student may harm themselves or others.
For non-emergency situations in which students are seeking medical or psychological treatment, including treatment for substance abuse, the campus respects client/provider confidentiality in accordance with established state and federal law. In such instances, communication with parents/guardians is only with the permission of the student who signs the appropriate release form. In general, the University does not communicate with parents/guardians regarding matters of student discipline. However, when dependent students are involved in a series of minor violations or a single serious violation, notification to parents/guardians may occur through the sanctioning process or if the continued enrollment of the student is in question.
For billing or financial information a student may elect to have a billing notification sent to their parent, guardian or another person. The student must add that person as an Authorized Payer on their QuikPAY account. Authorized Payers will receive all E-bill notifications and access to view, print and pay the bill on the QuikPAY system. More information can be found on the Student Accounts website.
Academic progress is reported to students with the expectation that this information will be part of ongoing discussions with parents/guardians. We do hope that students will communicate openly with their parents/guardians regarding their academic progress and other important issues. We encourage parents/guardians and their students to discuss how they will communicate before the academic year. We believe the best way is for parents/guardians to ask their student for the information they desire. Another option is for the student to provide a written consent form authorizing the University to share specified information with a parent/guardian. The necessary forms can be found on the Student Affairs policy page.