Parent Notification Policy
The Parent Notification Policy of Marietta College is based on the following premises:
- That college students are in the process of developing independence as they move toward adulthood.
- That the education of students involves a partnership between the College and the parents of our students.
- Compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Under FERPA, when a student turns 18 or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, all rights to a parent transfer to the student. However, FERPA provides ways in which schools may, but are not required to, share information from a student’s educational records with parents, without the student’s consent. With this in mind, Marietta College will observe the following policy: Students own their educational records and have the right and responsibility to solve their own problems. However, parents of dependent students, under the following circumstances, will be notified without the student’s consent:
- If a health or safety emergency involves the student,
- If the student, under the age of 21, has violated any law or policy concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance,
- If the student is at risk of being removed from college housing or suspended or dismissed from the college,
- If the student has been found responsible for a serious violation of the College Creed or College Housing Policies, and
- If the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students deems there are special circumstances that are in the best interest of the student and College to notify the parent.
The College believes this policy has a beneficial effect on the College community and will help your student achieve the academic and personal goals that are at the heart of the Marietta College education.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
What is FERPA?
At the post-secondary level, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal privacy law that gives students certain protections with regard to their education records, such as, transcripts, disciplinary records, contact and family information, financial information, and class schedules.
A school official may generally share with a parent information that is based on that official's personal knowledge or observation of the student and not obtained from a record maintained by the College.
Students who wish to authorize Marietta College employees to release information from the education record to parents may do so by submission of the Authorization to Release Information to Parents/Guardians. This form allows students to select which categories of information may be disclosed: Academic, Conduct/Housing, Financial Aid, Billing. The form must be signed by the student and submitted to the Records Office in the Irvine Administration Building.
The authorization to release information does not serve as a power of attorney, allowing parents to conduct business on behalf of the student nor does it provide electronic access to student information. The Authorization to Release Information to Parents/Guardians is distinct from the Authorized User account available via TouchNet for Student Account purposes.
For more on FERPA and your rights, please see Parents' Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Rights Regarding Children's Education Records.