What’s the ASU norm on parents emailing professors? Some schools hate it. Is there a better channel if you’re worried?
At Arizona State University (ASU), the norm is that parents should not email professors directly. This is primarily due to federal privacy laws (FERPA), which restrict professors from sharing specific information about a student's academic progress, grades, or behavior without the student's explicit written consent.
Reasons for This Norm
- Privacy Laws: Even with a FERPA waiver, professors are not obligated to communicate with parents, as the waiver only permits them to share information at their discretion.
- Student Self-Reliance: ASU promotes student self-advocacy, expecting students to manage their own academic issues and communications.
- Verification Issues: Professors may find it difficult to verify the identity of individuals emailing from personal accounts, leading to reluctance in discussing sensitive information.
If you have concerns about your student's well-being or academic journey, consider these alternative channels:
- ASU Family Office: Contact them at asufamily@asu.edu or 480-965-2880 for guidance.
- Dean of Students: For serious crises affecting academics, reach out at 480-965-6547.
- ASU Counseling Services: For mental health concerns, request a consultation at 480-965-6146.
- My ASU Parent Guest Access: Ensure your student has granted you access to view certain records.
- Ombudspersons: For unresolved issues, they can help mediate conflicts.