Your student was admitted to Illinois State in part due to their potential for academic success in college. In addition, it’s safe to assume that your son or daughter enrolled with the intent of being academically successful at Illinois State. However, for some students, they find that they are unable to maintain academic good standing for a variety of reasons – both academic and personal.
To learn more about why your student is not in good academic standing, you are encouraged to discuss with your son or daughter the circumstances which surround their academic performance – ultimately their academic probation or dismissal. At this important 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 in order to achieve academic and personal success.
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 students’ 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 children'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.
As a parent, the University recognizes that at times you may feel out of the loop in regard to your child’s education. While it may be difficult to let your son or daughter assume full responsibility for their academics, you can be supportive by providing enough assistance to make sure your son or daughter gets the job done on their own – ask your student what he/she has done to address the issue(s) which have contributed negatively toward their academic performance.
Many times, you, as a parent, are the last to know when your child is struggling academically. For a number of reasons, students are hesitant to share that they are having academic struggles with their parents. The key to finding out as soon as possible if your child is in academic trouble is by having sincere, honest communication with your son or daughter.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) the University is not permitted to share your student's academic record with you (grades; transcript; current schedule; etc.). Your student will have access to their grades and overall academic record through the iCampus portal by using a pin number.
Faculty members are asked to submit Academic Progress Alert (APA) grades in all 100 level classes the 8th week of the semester. Students can access their APA grades through the iCampus portal. You can ask your son or daughter about their APA grades after the 8th week of the semester.
Visit the Requirements and Programs for students on Academic Probation as well as the Campus Services section of our web site to learn more about how the University can assist your student with becoming academically successful. In addition, every student on academic probation is required to participate in Project Success. Feel free to ask your student about their participation in Project Success as well as encourage their utilization of campus services.
It is extremely important that students on academic probation meet with their academic advisor. Ask your son or daughter about their advisement appointment!
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 son or daughter 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 son or daughter realistic options for improving their academic record at Illinois State.
