Parents and Families

It's safe to say students want to be successful at school. However, some find they are unable to maintain academic good standing for a variety of reasons—both academic and personal.

If your students is not in good academic standing, discuss with them the circumstances surrounding their academic performance —ultimately their academic probation or dismissal. At this key point in your student’s academic career, you have the important role of being supportive and understanding, while encouraging them to perform at their full potential. Your student needs as much support and encouragement as possible to achieve academic and personal success.

Student Privacy (FERPA)

Once you learn of your student’s academic status, your first reaction might be to contact the University. Please understand that the University can only provide you with information about your student's academic or disciplinary record if your student has given the University written permission as a result of The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99).

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their student's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."

You can learn more about FERPA online or by writing to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

Accessing your Student's Grades

Due to the FERPA privacy law, the University is not permitted to share your student's academic record with you, including grades, transcript, current schedule, etc. Your student will have access to their grades and overall academic record through My.IllinoisState.edu.

Parent and Student Responsibilities

Many times, parents are the last to know when their student is struggling academically. For a number of reasons, students are hesitant to share that they are having academic struggles with their parents which might make you feel out of the loop. The key to finding out as soon as possible if your student is in academic trouble is by having sincere, honest communication with your student.

While it may be difficult to let your student assume full responsibility for their academics, you can be supportive by providing enough assistance to make sure your student gets the job done on their own. Ask your student what they have done to address the issue(s) which have contributed negatively toward their academic performance.

Academic Advisor

Academic advisors are available to help students navigate their academic path. Students are encouraged to make regular appointments with their advisor or utilize the advisor on call when necessary. It is extremely important that students on academic probation meet with their academic advisor. Ask your student about their advisement appointment.

Academic Probation Requirements, Programs, and Services

Every student on academic probation is required to participate in Project Success or Project Rebound. Ask your student about their participation in these programs and encourage them to use campus services.

Time Off vs. Continued Enrollment

As a parent of a student on academic probation, or a student who has been academically dismissed, you play a valuable role in helping your student decide if they are in a place where they can academically recover and be successful.

In some cases, it is in the student’s best interest to take some time off from Illinois State and/or consider enrolling at a community college. Many families—especially students—feel that continued enrollment is the best and only way of improving their academic performance. In fact, many times it is not beneficial to the student. It is important to discuss with your student realistic options for improving their academic record at Illinois State.