Parents and the Incept Experience

The Office of New Student Orientation and Parent Relations understands that not only is this a time of transition for students but for parents and family members as well. Therefore, we have scheduled a special Parent/Guest Orientation that will connect parents and guests to the Georgia State University community and answer questions directly related to them. Parent/Guest conferences run concurrently with student Incept conferences, but some sessions during the day will be conducted specifically for parents.

What to Expect

By attending Parent/Guest Incept, you will:

• Meet other parents and guests
• Learn about valuable university services and programs like financial aid, One Stop Shop, and campus police
• Explore student life, both inside and outside the classroom
• Discuss campus issues with current Georgia State student leaders
• Hear about ways to assist your student in this time of transition and change
• Meet with representatives from the Dean of Students Office
• Join the Georgia State University Parents Association

The advisement and registration part of the program is an opportunity for students to make some independent decisions about their course schedule and academic plan, and we want you to know that there are highly qualified staff and faculty members guiding them though the process. Therefore, this session of the day will be for students only. Your advice is also valuable and important so it might be a good idea to discuss academic plans with your student before your scheduled Incept day.

You should also know that due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) there is certain information pertaining to your student's personal, academic, and financial records that you may not have immediate access to without their consent. You will learn more about FERPA during your Incept day.

What is FERPA?

The Family and Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA rights are provided only to University applicants upon actual acceptance to and subsequent enrollment for classes at the University. Under FERPA, students attending an institution of postsecondary education may:

• Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education record except to the extent that FERPA authorizes closure without consent
• Choose to suppress (i.e., keep from being disclosed) their directory information
• Inspect and review their educational records
• Seek amendment of their education records if believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights
• File complaints with the Department of Education about alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA