College Student Academic Services

Information for Parents and Family Members

Students may find themselves in poor academic standing for a variety of reasons.  Student Academic Services in the College of Arts and Sciences encourages parents and family members to candidly discuss the circumstances that may influence a student’s academic performance.  We are happy to discuss our academic standing policy with parents but open and honest discussions about study habits, attendance, and personal issues must come from the student. 

All students on academic probation will need to meet with their academic advisor. Encourage your son or daughter to make an appointment.  Students who have not declared a major should meet with an advisor in University Advising Center .  If a student has declared a major, he/she can contact our office for help in finding an advisor.

 

Common Questions from Parents:

Why can’t I get information about my son or daughter’s  academic standing?

Please understand that the University can only provide you with information about your son/daughter’s academic record if he/she has given the University written permission to access those records in accordance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

You can inquire about a son or daughter’s grades if he/she has a signed Authorization to Release Student Information Form or if he/she is a dependent. 

What resources are available to help my son or daughter?

KU has many resources to help students with academic and personal issues.  We encourage you and your student to view our resources and tools for success.

What resources are available to me as a parent or guardian?

The KU Parent Association offers many services to enhance communication between the University and families of KU students and seeks to foster the University partnership with families in providing a quality educational experience for students.  Parents and guardians can also contact KU Assistance.

Should my son or daughter continue at KU at this time?

As a parent of a student on academic probation, or a student who has been academically dismissed, you play an important role in helping your son or daughter decide how to move forward academically.
In many cases, it is in the student’s best interest to take some time off from the University of Kansas and/or to consider enrolling at a community college.  Parents--and especially students--often believe that continued enrollment is the best and only way of improving academic performance:  this is not usually the case and may hinder a student’s development in the long run. 

If your son or daughter decides not to continue at KU, please make sure he/she contacts the appropriate office (an official withdrawal form for the next semester schedule may be required).