Parental Notification Policy (FERPA)

The Parent Notification Policy of Marietta College is based on the following premises:

College students are in the process of developing independence as they move towards adulthood;
The education of students involves a partnership between the College and the parents of our students within the boundaries outlined by 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 education records with parents, without the student’s consent. With this in mind, Marietta College will observe the following policy: students own their education records and have the right and responsibility to solve their own problems, but parents of dependent students, under the following circumstances may 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 for reasons other than academic performance.
If the student has been found responsible for a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
If a senior administrator of the College deems there are special circumstances that are in the best interest of the student and College to notify the parent.

The College believes that this policy has a beneficial effect on the College community and will help students achieve the academic and personal goals that are at the heart of the Marietta College education.