Below are common requests from parents. Respond to all questions, and keep going until you get the right answer. After question #4, click Submit Your Answers, then continue to "External Requests."
Incorrect. Please try again.
That’s right. FERPA prohibits a professor from discussing with a parent the student’s academic performance, even one under age 18. Once a student enters a post-secondary school, rights reside with him or her. The best response is for the professor to refer the parent back to Mary and explain any resources available to Mary, should she be struggling. A professor could discuss non-recorded observations (e.g. lack of participation), but we advise against doing so. The only way a student’s academic performance can be discussed with a parent is with the student’s written consent or proof of dependency for IRS purposes filed with the Registrar’s Office.
This is not the best choice. While a FERPA written release form is acceptable under FERPA, the University has a better process for release of grade information.
Correct. Northwestern University has a process that allows students to provide their parents access to their grades using the Guest Access feature in CAESAR. Additionally, if parents instead wanted quarterly grades mailed to them, students can complete the Authorization of Grade Disclosure form. Both of these options serve as a written release of grade information and meet FERPA requirements.
This is not the best choice. Education record information like grades may be released to a parent who provides proof of dependency for tax purposes but there is a better response.
Incorrect. Please try again.
Correct. Academic integrity and conduct issues cannot be discussed with a third party such as a parent without a written release from the student. University officials may discuss with a parent the general process the University follows in academic integrity and conduct violation situations without sharing the child’s specific case. If a parent insists on discussing her son’s specific situation, she may be directed to obtain a written release from the student.
Incorrect. Please try again.
The best practice is to direct the parent back to the student for the answer. Records of attendance fall under student education information and therefore cannot be shared in this instance. If, however, the professor were to know by observation that the student hadn’t been attending, this observation could be shared. If the parent is concerned for the health and safety of the student, refer the parent to University Police, CAPS, or Northwestern’s Dean of Students.
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
