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Students

• Why did I receive an email inviting me to take part in ADR?
  After reviewing an incident report involving the student and deciding that it meets criteria for Alternative Dispute Resolution, we send out an invitation email to the student inviting them to take part in ADR. If a student doesn't wish to do so then the conduct process will proceed as normal.
• Does Alternative Dispute Resolution end up on my student conduct record?
  No.
• Do I have to be referred to Alternative Dispute Resolution or can I request to be part of ADR?
  Both. Students can be referred through the DOS if they feel that the incident is a good fit for ADR or students can also fill out an  to request to be a part of ADR.
• Can I bring an advisor to my ADR meetings?
  While most students do not utilize the advisor role for the ADR process, you are still more than welcome to bring one.
• Does ADR take place in person or online?
  Right now we are defaulting to online via zoom unless a student requests to meet in person.
• What if I don't feel comfortable talking with the person(s) that I have a conflict with?
  Conflict Coaching is a one-on-one resolution option we offer within ADR. It helps engage the student in critical thinking about the conflict and think through alternative options to improve the situation. 
• What if I have a conflict that is serious and involving things such as sexual misconduct or violence?
  Alternative Dispute Resolution does not handle any cases involving violence and we only handle some cases involving sexual misconduct that are less serious in nature. 
• How does the process work when the conflict is between groups?
  It would be handled on a case by case basis. Either meeting in a small group or electing a representative from each group to attend ADR. 
• How do I request to take part in ADR?
  Through our  or visit our Alternative Dispute Resolution Homepage for more information.

Parents/Guardians

• Are my student's records protected by any law?
  Yes. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law which affords students certain rights in respect to their educational records. The intent of this Act is to protect the privacy of students and their records.
• What is required under FERPA?
  • Maintaining confidential student educational records in an appropriate manner.
  • Limiting access to student education records to those with a "legitimate educational interest."
  • Annual notification to students via printed material and the web through One-Stop Student Services.
• What does FERPA mean to me as a parent/guardian?
  FERPA safeguards your student’s records privacy rights. Most important to you is that FERPA specifies that the University faculty and staff, in most circumstances, may not disclose personally identifiable information about a student or release educational to third parties without receiving the student's written and signed consent.
• Who has a legitimate interest?
  A school official who has a need to review the educational record to fulfill their job duties.
• When does FERPA not apply to student records?
  • When the record is not an educational record.
    • Examples include: medical records, employment records, counseling records, police reports, etc. However, these records may be covered by other privacy laws and may be maintained by other University areas.
  • Once a student is deceased, although the University continues to respect the rights of the student. These situations are handled on a case by case basis.
• May I review the documents contained in my student's file?

  No. Students must independently authorize other individuals, such as parents or guardians, to review all of their educational records except as allowed under certain allowances. Such as:

  • If your student is under the age of 18 years old.
  • Your student has expressly advised our office with signed authorization to release to a specific group or person.

  For additional information on FERPA please review One-Stop Student Services FERPA page

• Can the University disclose my student's records without their written or signed consent?

  Yes, under the following circumstances:

  • To a school official where there is a "legitimate educational interest",
  • To another institution where the student is seeking to be enrolled,
  • To the Department of Education or state/local educational authorities (to meet legal requirements)
  • For the receipt of financial aid,
  • To state/local officials as specified by law,
  • To organizations doing studies on behalf of the University to improve instruction, administer student aid or develop predictive tests,
  • To accrediting agencies,
  • To parents of dependent students (as defined by the IRS),
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena,
  • For a heath or safety emergency,
  • To the alleged victim of a crime of violence (information from a disciplinary proceeding),
  • To parents of any student under 21 for violation of substance abuse law or policy and
  • Disclosure of "directory information" when the student has not restricted access to this information.
• Where can I learn more about FERPA?

  º£½ÇÉçÇøOne-Stop's FERPA page