Supporting Your BYU-Idaho Student: Parent FAQs | Dean of Students

# Supporting Your BYU-Idaho Student: Parent FAQs

College life differs significantly from high school. At BYU-Idaho, we view students as adults and developing disciples who make their own decisions and take responsibility for them. As your role shifts from caretaker to mentor, we encourage you to support your student in taking ownership of their education and in developing the skills needed to thrive here and beyond.

- You may contact the Dean of Students Office with concerns regarding your child's academic performance, behavior issues, mental health, safety on campus, disciplinary actions, living arrangements, financial difficulties, or any other significant challenges impacting your student's life at BYU-Idaho.
- Due to a set of federal privacy laws and regulations known as FERPA, the university may need your student's consent to disclose specific details about their academic record. FERPA does not, however, limit the university's ability to receive information from you and discuss campus resources available to your student.

Student records (including reports of concern) are protected by FERPA. As a result, in most cases, parents will not be notified.

- In most cases, FERPA prevents parents and family members from receiving access to their student's records unless the student has signed a release of information. The Student Records Office manages educational records and provides additional helpful information about FERPA.

We encourage you and your student to develop a plan in advance regarding expectations around communication. How often will you talk to each other? In what way? What kind of information will be shared? What are those key areas on which you plan to stay informed? 
 
As you remain in communication, please encourage your student to: 

- Utilize campus resources! From the Tutoring Center to the Counseling Center, Peer Mentoring to the Wellness Center, or the university's THRIVE program to Student Activities, campus engagement supports personal success.
- Care for themselves physically (eat well, sleep right, exercise regularly, etc.) and spiritually (attend church, weekly devotionals, home evening activities, and the temple, etc.). Physical and spiritual wellness contribute to emotional and social wellness as your student finds a new, stable rhythm on campus.
- Communicate with instructors. Each classroom comes with its own set of expectations, and the more an instructor knows regarding your student's needs, circumstances, and questions, the better the instructor can teach and support your student.
- Check academic deadlines. Each semester carries important deadlines regarding registration, payment, insurance, transcripts, and financial aid.
- Follow the guiding principles of the CES Honor Code, which helps accomplish the university's mission to build disciplines of Jesus Christ.

If your student actively utilized support resources in high school (e.g., counseling, IEP or 504 plans, tutoring, etc.) help them consider whether they will continue to need similar resources. If so, encourage your student to make proactive arrangements in seeking out the needed resources--ideally before arrival to campus to avoid a lapse in support. Our Accessibility Services Office helps students with disabilities and other challenges receive the accommodations and support they need to fully participate and succeed here. 
 
We also suggest that you encourage your student to update their local address information as well as emergency contact information in their student account. It is important to update this information at the start of each semester because it is the fastest way for the university to obtain this information in the case of an emergency.

Even without full access to records, you can mentor and support your student. Encourage them to communicate with faculty early and often, and to use resources like the Tutoring Center and Study Skills Center.

As students adjust to college life, we always appreciate parents who promote open, supportive communication. Listen without judgment and gently encourage your student to share what they're experiencing while reminding them that many students feel the same way at first. 
 
Encourage your student to engage on campus. BYU-Idaho's Student Activities offer something for everyone--including volunteer and leadership opportunities, sports and fitness activities, outdoor events, service projects, and student performances. Help your student get involved. 
 
Ask your student about their roommate relationships. Your student's apartment is one of the most natural places to grow their social circle. 
 
Ensure your student is attending their assigned ward, getting involved in their ward and stake home evening activities, and connecting with ecclesiastical leaders. 
 
Remind your student to download the BYUI I-Belong app to stay informed of campus activities, events, and opportunities. 
 
Recommend professional support if needed. BYU-Idaho's Counseling Center and the Dean of Students Office provide safe places for students to talk and receive guidance.

Encourage your student to apply the Student Living principles of love, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. For ideas regarding relationships, everyday challenges, resolving conflict, and more, visit the Student Living Roommate Guide. 
 
If individual efforts prove insufficient, encourage your student to enlist the help of their apartment manager. Apartment managers can help student residents by holding roommate councils, following up with individual tenants, and enforcing apartment policies. 
 
If your student's apartment manager is unable to resolve the concern(s), you might also suggest that your student contact BYU-Idaho's Housing Office for added support or intervention. 
 
If your student's roommates are violating the Honor Code, and individual efforts are insufficient or inappropriate, encourage your student to consult with the Student Honor Office. Early intervention blesses everyone in the long run. If your student is not sure where to turn, point them to the Dean of Students Office, where we can support them individually and connect them to other campus areas as needed.

Often the hospital facility will contact a student's family directly. If we learn that a student is hospitalized, whether for mental or physical health, we typically encourage but do not require the student to inform their parents.

In the case of an emergency, or if you have reasons to be immediately concerned, please contact the Rexburg Police Department or dial 911. 
 
If you cannot get in contact with your student, but you have no reason to believe the situation is an emergency, the Dean of Students Office staff is happy to assist. We will work to connect with your student, inform them of your concern, and ask that they contact you.