FAQ for Parents and Family
Q: My son/daughter is a student at Illinois State University and I pay the tuition, housing, books, and all expenses. Why am I told I cannot discuss his/her grades with her professors?
A: Student records, including grades, are protected through FERPA laws and are considered confidential. See page 2 (in the Introduction) of the Undergraduate Catalog for 2007-2008 for details of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The University can only provide parents and family members with information about student records of the student has given the University written permission or if the parent can prove that the student is legally their dependent. The permission/proof would need to be on file with the Office of the University Registrar.
Q: My son/daughter will miss classes next week due to a death in the family. How do we notify all of his/her professors about his absence?
A: The Dean of Students offers a service of notification to instructors when students have/will be absent from class(es) for three (3) or more days. That office can be reached at 309-438-2008.
Q: Where can my son/daughter get some tutoring help?
A: The University Center for Learning Assistance (UCLA) provides tutoring free of charge. This Center is located in Stevenson Hall, Room 133.
Q: I checked with the UCLA, and they said they do not have tutors for the philosophy classes. Where can my student go for help?
A: The Department of Philosophy has developed a tutor program for students in Philosophy classes. Our tutors are our top Philosophy majors. To find a tutor, the student needs to come to the Philosophy Department office in Turner 150 and request a tutor list. The Department pays the tutors for their time.
Q: My son/daughter is upset over a grade he/she received in a class. What should he/she do?
A: The professor who gave the grade is the first person to whom your student should contact. The professor is unable to discuss the grade with you, the parent. (See question #1regarding FERPA). The student must be the person to contact the instructor to set up an appointment to discuss the grade. If the problem is not resolved, the next person to contact is the Chairperson of the department.
Q: My son/daughter is a Philosophy major. But ... what CAN you do with a philosophy major?
A: Please go to the careers link on our web page for a brochure on how a background in philosophy will make a difference!
If you have other questions, please send an email to Philosophy.