FERPA (Academic Privacy) Question

Inthebiz
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:25:48 +0000

I know that my opinion will be an unpopular one, but I strongly believe that college students must look for support and assistance with academic struggles without relying on the parents. College is not set up for parent involvement for a good reason. However, there are alternative college support structures available that bridge the gap between the security of the parents’ involvement in high school and the autonomy of the workplace and graduate school.



Generally speaking, I would agree with you. But having worked with a number of Aspergers kids (I work in an Honors Program) I know how difficult things can be for some of them. They can be brilliant but can barely negotiate the campus to get from class to class. I’ve seen their fellow students be cruel but I’ve also seen other students virtually adopt them and make sure they are well taken care of. It can be a long process to help them become independent and prepare them to function well in the post-college world.

I wish I had a surefire answer to OPs problem. If you haven’t met with the Disability people in person, I think that’s a good idea. But, in the long run, you’ll probably have to piece together strategies that will no doubt have to vary from class to class as some professors will be more willing to be helpful than others.