Washington and Lee University
We value the role of parents as partners in the education of W&L students. Our institutional philosophy is to encourage communication between students and parents about the student experience at Washington and Lee. Students have much to learn from their parents as they make their way through the college years.
With that said, parents often wonder, “How much communication should I have directly with the University about my son or daughter?” We hope the information below explains how you can best access information while continuing to encourage the growth of your young adult during the college years. Like you, we want the very best for your student. We work hard to assist students in making the next step to full-time adulthood. To do this, students must understand and administer their rights and responsibilities as adults in the university setting. Students mature and develop by working through difficult issues. You can aid them in this development by encouraging them to work through concerns that arise on campus.
Grades and Academic Progress
Students may provide copies of their grades and academic records to anyone they choose and students may authorize faculty and staff to discuss their academic progress with anyone. The former is done by sharing e-mail or web copies of grades or requesting a paper transcript; the latter is handled by students signing and submitting informed consent regarding the discussion of academic performance with family members. The form is available on the web at http://registrar.wlu.edu/forms/CombinedRelease.pdf. Faculty and staff are already free to share with families information known personally and which does not compromise the written record. Typically, this would include general conversations about their ability, attendance, and interest in academic or nonacademic activities.
Matters of Student Conduct
or students involved in matters related to student conduct, a provision of Washington and Lee’s “University’s Initiatives on Alcohol and Other Drugs” requires parental notification of all undergraduate students found responsible for an alcohol/other drug related incident. In all matters of student conduct, we encourage students to be in communication with their parents for both emotional support and so parents understand what is happening in their students’ lives. If a student is suspended or withdrawn from the university, a confirmation letter of this action is sent to the student at the home address as the student has provided to the University Registrar’s Office.
Matters of Student Health and Safety
In cases where a student is determined to be a potential danger to self or others, parents (or guardians) will be included in discussions as to the most appropriate course of action. In most cases, the student will be sent home for treatment. Washington and Lee University is not and cannot be a treatment center for students with severe illnesses. Students in that situation are best treated under the care of family and, often, in full-time treatment centers. With that said, we are proud of the on-going care we provide in both physical and mental health services for our students. You can learn more about Student Health and Counseling Services by clicking on the provided link.
Information sharing is a two-way street. Accordingly, if you as a parent know of a potential problem with (or special need of) your student, by all means, you should provide it to Washington & Lee.
We hope this overview is helpful in understanding how University processes work related to communication with parents between the University and the student. In summary, in cases where students are facing more serious trouble, you’ll be hearing from us. We encourage you to talk about what information you expect your son or daughter to share with you before and during your student’s college career. In all other cases, we’ll be encouraging your son or daughter to be in conversation with you so we’re continuing to facilitate a strong relationship between you and your student.
If you have additional questions about this, please contact Dr. Dawn Watkins, Dean of Student Affairs at dwatkins@wlu.edu or 540-458-8754.