Resources & FAQs

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA restricts University staff from discussing a student’s academic and conduct record without the student’s written permission. University staff can answer questions about the process but cannot provide specific details about a case. Confidentiality under FERPA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Parent/Guardian Notification Policy

The Office of Residence Life may notify a student’s family/guardian when the residential student is found responsible for an alcohol and/or drug violation and is under the age of 21. An amendment to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits University staff to disclose information regarding a student’s violation of the use or possession of alcohol or drugs, if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of the disclosure.

• Notification of the outcome of the resolution process will take place via letter.
• A student’s parent/guardian may also be notified if there is an imminent risk to the student’s health, safety, or welfare.
• A parent/guardian may be notified if a housing student is sanctioned to a formal reprimand.

Information Shared in the Family/Guardian Notification

• Disciplinary status outcome due to an alcohol or drug policy violation
• Notification that the student was required to participate in an educational program or other educational outcome