Parents & Caregivers FAQ

We deeply value the support families provide students as they transition to college life. However, at the college level, students are considered the primary points of contact and are their own decision-makers. Parents and caregivers can certainly encourage, guide, and support their students, but students must take the lead in requesting accommodations and communicating with our office.

We are happy to answer any general questions about our process with families, however, students must remain the ones managing their accommodations. We will not communicate or make decisions without the student. We believe it is in their best interest to learn to advocate for themselves, an essential skill for both academic and career success.

While students may choose to sign the FERPA form within our Registrar’s Office, this relates to general academic information rather than students’ disability records. Disability offices treat accommodation files as strictly confidential records separate from general academic files.

The college considers students as independent adults and it is therefore their responsibility to communicate about their progress. Our office and faculty do not “check in” with families or provide academic updates. When applicable, students will receive progress reports per their professors regarding their academic performance and progress. We encourage families to maintain open communication with their students directly.

We understand that families want the best support for their students, but accommodations cannot be provided without students direct involvement and consent. Students must apply for services and actively participate in the accommodation process. This ensures that accommodations are meaningful, appropriate, and effectively used.

Please review our Accommodation Process page that shares steps on how to apply for accommodations and what supportive documentation is required. Our staff reviews the documentation, discusses recommendations with students, and determines reasonable accommodations through an interactive process.

Our office will not share any confidential information regarding student diagnoses to their professors. However, our office will share Letters of Accommodation (LOA) with students’ professors at the start of the fall and spring semester. These letters list any relevant accommodations that have been approved for each student, but not any medical information. If students would like their professors to know additional information, they are encouraged to reach out to their professors directly.

To best support your student, please encourage them to:

• Understand their learning profile and how their condition impacts them.
• Communicate directly with our office and their instructors.
• Practice self-advocacy and problem-solving skills.
• Take ownership of their college experience.

Provide encouragement, listen, and support your student’s independence to help build confidence and prepare them for life beyond college.

Endicott College offers many support services to all students including, but not limited to, the Tutoring and Writing Center, the Center for Academic Coaching, the Counseling Center, the Office for Student Success and Advising, and individual faculty office hours.