The following policy on the release of information to parents and guardians is provided in accordance with the University’s obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Consent to Disclosure
The University does not routinely send grade reports, course schedules, transcripts, or preliminary disciplinary communications to parents. Parents are encouraged to speak directly with their student for information on academic performance or general well-being, or to ask the student to grant them access to the online transcript, proof of enrollment, and student account information via ShareLink.

Conversations between a student and advisors, mentors, and disciplinary hearing officers are treated as confidential and are generally not shared with others, including parents, without the student’s specific permission. This is consistent with the University’s view that students should be treated as responsible adults, and with the University’s goal of promoting students’ growth and independence.

Disclosure with Student Consent
If a student has provided consent via Consent-to-Disclosure on the StudentLink, the University may communicate with parents in the following situations:

  • The student voluntarily withdraws or takes a leave of absence.
  • The student is suspended or dismissed from the University.
  • The student is required to leave University housing.
  • The student is placed on academic or disciplinary probation.
  • The student’s financial aid award is threatened or cancelled.
  • The parent’s loan or other parent-specific financial obligation has been cancelled.
  • Financial Assistance or Student Accounting Services may initiate contact or respond to inquiries relating to the student’s financial aid award, other forms of financial assistance, or if a request has been made for reconsideration.
  • The communication of ‘positive’ news (Dean’s list, awards, etc.) can be released if the student has not restricted this type of Directory Information.

If a student has provided Consent to Disclosure, the University will communicate with parents in the following situations:

  • The student voluntarily withdraws or takes a leave of absence.
  • The student is suspended or dismissed from the University.
  • The student is required to leave University housing.
  • The parent’s loan or financial obligation has been cancelled.

University Notification without Student Consent
Even without a student’s consent, the University may communicate with parents if:

  • The University is aware of a health or safety concern that threatens the student or others.
  • The student is under twenty-one years of age, and has violated laws or rules pertaining to alcohol or drugs.

If a student does not provide consent but may be claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes, the University, in its discretion and in accordance with the policies and practices of individual schools and colleges, the Dean of Students, and Financial Assistance or Student Accounting Services, may also communicate with parents if:

  • The student voluntarily withdraws or takes a leave of absence.
  • The student is suspended or dismissed from the University.
  • The student is required to leave University housing.