Notification of Parents or Guardians

Coker University recognizes that students are still developing independence and accountability.  In order to foster this growth, we treat our students as adults who are responsible for their own actions and who must take ownership for the quality of their own educational experience through active participation in college life.

Coker University also realizes that parents and guardians of young adults hold a deep concern for the well-being and happiness of their sons and daughters while they are enrolled in college. In recognition of that interest from parents, Coker University expects students to initiate and maintain regular communication with parents about their academic and social progress in college.

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the confidentiality of student records and specifies those occasions in which information can be disclosed without the student’s prior consent. This right to privacy lies with the student upon his/her enrollment at any college or university. In most cases, students will be encouraged to inform their parents themselves in the event that academic, disciplinary, or health and safety problems arise.

Coker acknowledges there may be a need for the University to notify parents directly in some circumstances and will do so in accordance with regulations within the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please view our FERPA guidelines for more information.