Family Handbook 2017

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FERPA: Taking the Law Into Account
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is an act that
affords students certain rights of privacy with respect to their academic
records (grades, faculty and advising conversations) and Student Health
Services health records (both medical and counseling records).
FERPA assures your student complete privacy of their health information. Keep
in mind this covers both general medical information as well as Counseling
and Psychological Services visits. Health record information is disclosed only
when a specific release of information is signed by the student. The only
exceptions you will see are for health and safety emergencies.
Points of Contact
An encompassing list of University contacts is available on the last few pages
of this booklet. Please contact us if you need assistance or more information.
The following are a few additional sites that may be helpful:
• FERPA —
• Advocacy and Success —
• Student Handbook —
How You Can Support
The University understands that family support is important for student
success, and it can be incredibly frustrating not knowing what is going
on academically or health-wise in a student’s life. However, there are also
laws we are obligated to abide by for the protection of our students. This
is a different stage of life: where students are becoming adults, and
parents and family members are learning to trust their students to make
good decisions. Giving students encouragement and support will help
them make better choices and find success during their time in college.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“The relationship between my
daughter and I remained the
same. She and I have always
been close, and although the
distance has been a barrier
for us, we continue to talk
daily, just touching base.
The greatest change is that
she is more independent
and responsible. Before her
departure, Mom did it all.
Her leaving has brought
about a newly found growth
she wouldn’t have experienced
if she was still at home.”
Beverly Riley
Chester, S.C.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT2
For most students (and parents), attending college is an anxious time —
exciting but also overwhelming. No matter how prepared you think you are,
you can still experience anxiety. It is this anxiety that results in growth
and learning. Having the privilege of participating in higher education is
a transformative experience. It is a time for self-exploration — exploring
new interests, trying out new roles and responsibilities, meeting people you
share common interests with, and also getting outside of your comfort zone
interacting with those different from you.
As a parent, understanding that your student will experience changes in their
identity, intellectual abilities and values, and that these changes are expected,
will ensure a successful transition for you both. They struggle will include
periods of a honeymoon phase, cultural shock, initial adjustment, mental
isolation, and acceptance and integration. They will struggle with questions:
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