Parent Resources

The transition from high school to college can be just as hard for parents as it is for incoming students. But don’t worry! The University of Scranton’s Office of Student Support & Success (OSSS) offers a variety of resources to help students grow into independent, successful professionals in their field of interest.

Now that your student is entering postsecondary education, it can be helpful to take notice of the differences between high school and college. The main difference from high school is that now, students are responsible for self-advocating, requesting accommodations, and scheduling meetings with Disability Services, as well as with each of their professors, in order to receive accommodations. Check out the differences between High School and College on our chart or view our Accommodations Process to learn more about what to expect as your student enters the University of Scranton.

Students have rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Now that your student is 18, they are accorded privacy rights under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The University of Scranton respects these rights, and will rely on students to determine what will be shared with their parents.

Tips for Parents

  1. Encourage students to communicate and advocate for themselves.
  2. Share with your student any concerns you have and issues you think need to be discussed with the OSSS. Remind them that such conversations are confidential and that the student remains in the “driver’s seat” with regards to their own disclosure and requests for accommodations.
  3. Let students know that you are there as a support, but also encourage them to identify the resources available on campus (advisors, tutors, the Writing Center, librarians, and counselors).
  4. If you feel the need to communicate with the OSSS, involve your child in the conversation so that everyone is on the same page.
  5. Remember that we often learn and grow the most when we are challenged, and things don’t come easily. But overcoming adversity is one of the many reasons that students with exceptionalities are exceptional!
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