Academic Affairs

You have made a wise and important choice in deciding to enroll your daughter or son in a university degree program. That you have chosen a liberal arts institution such as ours, speaks volumes of your dedication to your student, and your desire to provide them a strong, broad-based and personalized education that will pave the way for the same kind of success and accomplishment that Muskingum University graduates have enjoyed for over 175 years now.

At Muskingum University, we recognize that the shift from the familiarity of the "K through 12" system to the complexity of the university environment can be daunting for families, particularly with regard to academic matters and policies.

To assist families we have created this sub-set of web-pages that we hope will provide you with the answers to the questions that you might have.

In the event that you cannot find the answers you need - or just prefer to speak directly with someone - you are welcome to telephone the Academic Affairs office at 740-826-8122 during business hours (8:00 until 5:00), Monday through Friday.

An important note about what information may be disclosed to individuals other than the enrolled student.

We value our relationships with our students' parents and families, and will do all that we can to be of service to you and to provide you with the answers and assistance that you might require when you contact us.

Please be aware, however, that any university's communications with individuals other than the student in question is governed by a federal privacy law known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of students' education records. The law applies to all schools, such as Muskingum University, that receive funds under an applicable program - Pell grants, for example - of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. Please note, however, that these rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 - or attends a school beyond the high school level. Thus, even if a student is a minor, parents may not access student education records without the written consent of the student, or unless an exception to FERPA - such as dependent student status for income tax purposes - applies.

Students to whom the rights have transferred are known as "eligible students." The rights of eligible students include the following.

• Eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
   
• Eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
   
• Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
  • School officials with legitimate educational interest;
  • Other schools to which a student is transferring
  • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
  • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
  • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
  • Accrediting organizations;
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
  • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
  • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.

For more information about FERPA - and to view an FAQ page containing answers to common questions - click here.

FERPA Release of Information Form (For Students Only)

In the event that you still have questions about FERPA, you are welcome to contact the Registrar's office at 740-826-8164.