Family/Parents

Access to Student Information

If a parent/guardian contacts a Case Manager in the Dean of Students Office, often it is out of concern for their student. It is important to note that the presence of a FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) release does not necessarily equate information being shared.
SU would like to partner with you to provide the best experience for your student; however, a Case Manager can also work with you to assist your student.

Important notes about the policy:

In some instances, it may not be possible for a student to provide documentation for an emergency absence. However, when possible, the first thing a student should do is email their professors.
SU does NOT have an attendance policy and students are bound by the syllabus for individual courses. In some instances, students will be docked attendance points for classes (e.g., missing a science lab.) However, the professor may allow the student to make up the work.
In an instance where the student is unable to contact SU, a parent/guardian/family member or some representative for the student can submit an Emergency Absence Notification.
Once received, a Case Manager will notify the student’s professors of the absence. Be advised, no personal/confidential information is provided in writing or verbally.
A notification from the Case Manager does not excuse the absence, as SU does not have an attendance policy. However, it gives room for the professor to allow the student to make up missed assignments/exams/quizzes, etc.

There are times when a student may need to medically withdraw from the University for a semester. There are financial impacts on students when they medically withdraw. A Case Manager cannot access the student’s financial aid records but can coordinate with the Financial Aid office to ensure the student is making an informed decision.