Frequently Asked Questions

Karen Weikel, Registrar

Will I get a copy of my student’s grades?
Dickinson does not mail grades. At midsemester, temporary (roll-call) grades, including satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress, are issued to students. At each semester’s end, final grades are available to students on a secure Web site. Note that grades often are based upon a few large projects. Students accustomed to receiving more frequent feedback may check with their professors to see where they stand. Although many instructors don’t take attendance (some do!), experience has proven that regular attendance is an important step toward academic success. You should ask your student to share his or her grades and academic progress with you.

What is FERPA?
FERPA is the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. In order to be in compliance, the college cannot release student-record information (including grades) to parents or legal guardians unless a release has been signed by the student and is on file in the Office of the Registrar. Please discuss this issue with your child. Information regarding the legislation is available at: www.dickinson.edu/departments/reg/.

How can I help with course selection?
Encourage your student to meet frequently with his or her academic adviser, who can help them make informed choices, point out options they don’t think of and help students articulate their choices. Also, encourage your student to review the declared-major requirements and those of the college, like physical education. You can find information about requirements in the Bulletin at: www.dickinson.edu/bulletin. Students also have 24/7 Web access to their personal information (via a secure login and PIN number) and can review their courses and progress toward the degree. Students who delay general requirements until the final semester often have difficulty fitting these into their major courses and other activities, like internships and senior research. Your encouragement to take courses throughout their career can be helpful.

May my student walk in Commencement if he or she still has one course to complete?
No. Students receive their actual diplomas at Commencement, so they must complete all college and major requirements to participate.

May we frame our student’s diploma?
Yes—but remember that the graduates receive their actual diploma at Commence- ment. It is rolled, so you may need to work with a framer for the best presentation.