Saint Francis University
Parental Notification Policy
Introduction
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the circumstances and procedures under which the University may notify parents regarding information about a student without the consent of the student.
University Philosophy Regarding the Role of Parents and Their Child’s Education
Saint Francis University sees parents/guardians as important to the student in the achievement of higher education goals and personal development. The University seeks to develop an appropriate partnership with parents so that together we can support students as they become independent thinkers and decision makers.
While we value our relationship with students we view the parent’s role as pronounces to their success at Saint Francis University. We prepare them for successful lives after graduation, guide them toward good decisions and help them learn from the outcomes of those decisions. We expect students to take primary responsibility for their education: They are accountable for fulfilling their academic requirements, meeting their financial obligations and adhering to the university's expectations for appropriate conduct.
Together, the university and parents can support the learning and success of our students.
Federal Law Regarding Disclosure of Educational Records
Introduction. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 guarantee University students certain rights regarding their academic records. This section introduces those rights and the policies and procedures used by Saint Francis University to enforce them.
Reviewing Records. FERPA grants students the right to review records the University maintains about them, unless a student waives that right in writing.
Release of Information. FERPA limits the public release of personally identifiable information without a student's consent to Directory Information. Personally identifiable information may be provided upon request to official representatives of government agencies, prospective employers, etc. who present properly signed release documents. Saint Francis University is free to release without prior consent from students the following information:
Name | Address |
Date of birth | Place of birth |
Major field of study | Dates of attendance at the University |
Degrees/awards received from the University | Most recent institution attended |
Participation in activities and sports officially recognized by the University | Weight, height and position of members of athletic teams |
A student may request that any of this information not be released by writing to the Vice President for Student Development.
Circumstances When Parental Notification May Take Place
In general, University staff will notify parents when they have knowledge of circumstances adversely affecting a student. The Vice President of Student Development, in consultation with appropriate staff, will determine when parental notification will occur. These situations include:
Academic Issues:
Parents/guardians may be notified when a student is at risk of academic suspension, when a student withdraws from the University for any reason, when the academic standing of a dependent student may negatively impact financial aid, and when a student fails to complete provisional acceptance requirements and/or academic probationary status.
Physical Health and Mental Health Issues:
The University Counseling Center staff is prohibited by law from sharing detailed information regarding complaints or diagnoses, and even attendance at the University Counseling Center, without express consent from the student. However, staff will encourage students to discuss serious mental issues with parents or guardians. University Counseling Center staff will be permitted to violate confidentiality in the case of imminent danger, to the extent that is necessary to protect the student or others threatened by the student. In such cases, Parents will be notified.
Parents/legal guardians of dependent students are usually notified in the event of hospitalization, when transport to hospital via ambulance is required for the dependent student.
Parents/legal guardians of a dependent student are usually notified in the event of a serious injury or health or safety emergency when deemed necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
In some instances the university may require parents to travel to Saint Francis and/or other health care facility to assist in resolving challenges, especially disciplinary, medical and mental health issues. We expect that parents/legal guardians will respond affirmatively, as such requests are not made without thorough consideration and compelling need.
Student Conduct Issues
Parents/guardians of dependent students will be notified if a student poses a risk to themselves, others or the university community well being.
Parents/legal guardians of a dependent student will be notified in the event of student’s connection to events resulting in significant damage to property.
Parents/legal guardians of a dependent student will be notified in instances when a missing persons report is filed with University Police.
Encouraging Students to Take Responsibility for Parental Notification
Students are encouraged to contact parents prior to the University’s notification of parents or legal guardians. In the event of parental divorce or separation, university officials will use the contact information in the student’s file unless other designation of parent to be contacted is made.