We know that you may have questions and concerns about your student’s transition to higher education. We hope that after reviewing the following information, you feel confident that your student is in good hands at The University of Tampa.
Helpful Information
The transition from high school to college can be a difficult time for the parents of a student with a disability. Up until now, you have been required to play an essential role in their academic life. We ask for your assistance in preparing your student for the university experience by taking the following steps:
- Assist the student in becoming informed about their disability and history of accommodations
- Ensure the student understands and can effectively communicate their needs, strengths, interests and challenges
- Allow the student the opportunity to practice stating their needs and asking pertinent questions
We believe taking these steps will help the student in becoming a competent self-advocate and pave the way for satisfying experiences with staff and faculty upon arriving at the University.
Recognizing that parents have a high level of interest in the student’s academic experience, we encourage students to maintain an open dialogue with you. However, the open dialogue must be between the student and their parent, as SAS staff are required to follow the guidance contained in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. If a parent wishes to speak with a coordinator regarding the student’s accommodation records, the student must be present in the conversation.
The Office of Student Accessibility and Academic Support (OSAAS) is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that aligns with the Student Code of Conduct. We support and empower students in their pursuit of excellence in higher education. By empowering students to be responsible for their educational experience, students develop the necessary skills to be successful at UTampa and beyond.
As a result, OSAAS adopts the following principles in communicating with parents and family members:
- Federal law requires the University of Tampa to disseminate a student’s personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA protects the privacy of a student’s educational record and in most cases requires the University of Tampa to receive permission from the student to release information. For more information on FERPA and submitting FERPA releases, please visit the Office of the Registrar.
- If a FERPA release has not been submitted, staff may answer questions regarding University policies and procedures but not information regarding a student’s academic record as outlined by FERPA.
- Students will serve as the primary contact to handle their own concerns and be the decision makers for their educational experience. Students will be asked to relay information and decisions to their family members.
- Students should be the primary attendee for any meetings related to their educational experience.
- Students will be copied on any written communication in response to family members. OSAAS staff will share the next steps students should take to resolve their concern.
- Family members will be referred to the staff member and department best suited to answer their questions or concerns. Due to the complexity of some student issues, there may be times when families or students will need to be referred to multiple offices and either a coordinated response or more than one contact at the University will be provided to fully address the concern.
- Due to ADA law, any requests for accommodations, or modification to, must come directly from students.
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