Parental Notification and Alcohol and Drug Violations

1. Achieving autonomy and acceptance of one’s personal responsibility are student development goals promoted throughout every facet of collegiate life. Such goals are promoted within the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In 1998, however, amendments to FERPA gave colleges and universities the option to notify parents or guardians of a student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or an institutional disciplinary policy relating to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. The amendment clearly recognizes the cooperative partnership colleges have with parents and guardians that moves beyond enrollment to those times when intervention is a practical response to prevent the loss of a student’s personal and collegiate goals.
2. In support of our mutual investment in the success of each student and the preservation of a climate conducive to living and learning, an official of the College will notify parents or guardians when a student under the age of 21 at the time of disclosure, regarding the College’s determination that the student violated federal, state or local law or College policy governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.