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Navigating Student Privacy Within FERPA
David Tuttle
With your student having started college, you might be anticipating that first panicked or emotional phone call.
New experiences and challenges are going to come fast and furious. When they call to ask what they should do in a particular situation, you may find yourself rattling off a response almost without thinking about it.
Slow down! Remember, they're adults now. Instead of telling them what to do, listen carefully to their concerns. Then refer them to the many resources available on campus.
There are several ways to find useful resources that will help your student — and you, too.
These are all good first steps, you say — but what about specifics? Let’s go through some common “panic points” that many new college students need help addressing:
The word to remember is FAFSA, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the key to your student receiving financial assistance. For questions about the FAFSA, refer your student to the college’s Office of Financial Aid — your best resource for anything financial. The staff is well equipped to answer all your student’s questions about Pell Grants, loans, scholarships, and so much more.
Point your student to the campus Student Employment office. The staff has listings of all the jobs for students on and off campus, and can help your student find jobs that align with their major, hobbies, and interests. Encourage your student to visit this office as soon as possible.
Another round of hiring for on-campus positions will likely happen at the start of second semester if your student isn’t ready to take on a part-time position right off the bat.
Suggest your student visit the campus Counseling Center. The Counseling Center is staffed with professionals available to help your student in any way they can. We all know that sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone other than a family member or friend, and the Counseling Center can fill that role for your student.
The Dean of Students is another good resource. If your student is struggling with academics, personal relationships, or just needs someone to talk to, the Dean of Students is equipped to facilitate conversations that can lead your student down the path of success.
Let’s face it, odds are your student will change their major at least once during college. And that’s okay! When they're looking at changing their major or making other academic decisions, one person can really advise them and work through the process. Did you guess? That’s right, their academic advisor.
Your student’s advisor is very important to their academic journey. Advisors help students choose classes and map out a four-year plan — plus they are good listeners who have your student’s best interest at heart. Encourage your student to visit with their advisor at least twice a semester. I promise you, advisors are jewels of the college.
Roommate issues are among the most common that students experience. Communication is the key to working out roommate issues. Who is going to clean the room and when? What about guests? Are they sharing food? These are all conversations your student and their roommate(s) need to have early in the semester.
If conflict continues, your student’s best resource is their Resident Assistant (RA). The RA lives on your student’s residence hall floor and is trained to mediate the tough conversations. Remind your student that the RA is there to help. If needed, the RA will assist your student in reaching out to the next level of help.
College is harder than high school. There is no other way to say it. Students who cruised through high school with good grades and little studying might meet their first B, C, or even a failing grade.
It’s not the end of the world. We all need help at some point and when the grades are lower than expected, there are plenty of resources to help your student.
First, encourage your student to meet their professor, stop by during the professor’s office hours, and ask questions in class. Another key resource is the syllabus your student received on the first day of class. The syllabus is their class lifeline. Among other important things it includes the dates of tests and projects, the assignments that need to be completed, and contact information for the professor. Encourage your student to make a copy of the syllabus for each class and put the copies on their desk while keeping the original with the materials for the class.
Second, refer your student to the Tutoring Center on campus. Asking for help is not a bad thing at all and the tutors trained by the school are ready and willing to help your student as they transition from high school to college.
Starting college is a big deal for you and for your student. Remember, you are their motivator, their support system, their shoulder to cry on, and their guide as they navigate and test out the water over the next four years! Share your resources wisely!
