FAQ:: Top Ten Things Every Parent Should Know When Your Student Leaves Home For College

1.  What is FERPA and how does it affect me?

FERPA is the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.  It protects the privacy of students over the age of 18 from anyone trying to gain access to private information.  If you are a parent of a student and wish to have access to your student’s records your student MUST sign a FERPA consent form allowing you to have access.  FERPA forms can be found in the Registrar’s office and will be provided to every parent who attends Freshman Orientation for the Fall Semester on August 10, 2008.
:: DETAILED INFO. ABOUT FERPA -->

2.  Who do I ask if I want to know my students grades and progress? 

Ideally it would be best to ask your student for this information however we are aware that getting solid information may not always be realistic.  Therefore if your student has signed a FERPA agreement you can ask the office of counseling and advisement for this information at (918) 465-1751 or your students Academic Advisor.

3.  Where do I go to inquire about my student’s bills and payment? 

The Business Office would be able to give you this information if you call and identify yourself as a parent, identify the students name and social security number and a FERPA Consent form has been signed by the student giving you permission to have this information.  Even if you are paying the bill for your student to attend college, this FERPA consent form MUST be signed in order for information to be released.

4.  Who do I ask about Financial Aid and Scholarships?

The Financial Aid dept is headed by Mimi Kelly.  You may speak to Jennifer Labor our Scholarship Coordinator for information regarding your student’s scholarships. Please make certain your student has signed a FERPA consent form before you contact them or they will be unable to release information. :: GO TO FINANCIAL SERVICES -->

5.  Will my student be safe on campus?  How can I help?

We are working to make our residence halls and campus a safer place to live and attend school.  By Fall of 2008 we should have a system organized that will keep our dorms locked 24 hours per day with access allowed only to residents who have the appropriate key or key card to get in.  This will ensure that outside visitors will NOT be permitted unless they are allowed entrance by a student or dorm staff person.  You can help by encouraging your student to keep their individual dorm rooms locked AT ALL TIMES and discouraging them from propping open emergency exit doors for convenience and illegal entry. :: GO TO CAMPUS POLICE-->
or view/print document :: What Should Parent’s Know About Campus Safety? (pdf)

6.  Can I visit my student anytime I want? 

Yes and we encourage you to make a visit whenever you feel that you would like to come to our campus.  We will have a special Parents Weekend scheduled for visitation near our homecoming celebrations that will include special activities for you and your family members.  We encourage you to look at the special City Link we have included for local accommodations and restaurants.

7.  How do I know what sanctions may be against my student for breaking the rules?

FERPA does not prevent us from contacting you if there are sanctions lobbied against your student for disciplinary reasons.  In fact it is the practice of the office of the Dean of Students to send a copy of every sanction letter to the parent of the student receiving disciplinary action.  A description of the types of fines and sanctions that may be lobbied against a student who breaks the campus policies are included in the Student Handbook and the Handbook for Parents regarding Alcohol and Drug Use on campus. STUDENT HANDBOOK (pdf) | PARENT HANDBOOK (pdf)

8.  Will I be notified if my student breaks campus rules?

Yes, as stated above, a copy of the disciplinary letter outlining the fine, and strike system will be mailed to your home when a student has been given a disciplinary action.  If you have questions regarding this process, the sanctions, the incident or any other issue surrounding this you may contact the Dean of Students by phone or by email for further explanation.  We strive to be fair in our fine and sanction process so that no favoritism is shown to any student who violates the campus policies.

9.  Will I be notified before my student is suspended or expelled? 

Yes.  You will be notified immediately by phone if a student has reached the point where they will be suspended for violation of campus policies.  If a student is suspended, they will not be permitted to return to Eastern until you have met with the Dean of Students and organized a probationary agreement for return.

10.  Where do we inquire about housing and housing options that are available for our students?

You may contact Student Services for information regarding housing and housing options for students.  Included in the links below are frequently asked questions regarding housing that may be helpful.  We encourage you to look at the housing FAQ’s and see if your questions can be answered there or call the housing office. 

:: GO TO DORM INFO -- > :: GO TO APARTMENT INFO -- >