Parent and Family Communication Guidelines

Purpose
Post University deeply values the partnership we share with parents and families in supporting student success. Our goal is to help students build confidence, independence, and the essential skills needed to navigate college life.

To protect student privacy and ensure that concerns are handled efficiently and respectfully, this policy outlines how Post University communicates with parents and family members of enrolled students who are legal adults (18 years or older). Our approach fosters student growth while maintaining a professional and supportive environment for both families and University staff.

Student Responsibility as Primary Contact
At Post University, students are encouraged to take the lead in addressing their own academic, housing, financial, or conduct matters.  Faculty and staff will communicate primarily with the student, to promote  self-advocacy and problem-solving skills.

Parents and families can best support their student by guiding them on how to engage directly and respectfully with University offices. In cases of health or safety emergencies, or when a student has provided current written consent through a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release, University staff may share limited information that falls within the scope of that release. Even in those cases, the student remains the primary participant in conversations regarding their education.

Supporting Student Independence

We know that parents often want to help when challenges arise. The most effective way to do so is by coaching students through the process-encouraging them to contact their professors, advisors, or other campus resources directly.

University staff generally respond to communications that originate from the student’s official University email address.  In some cases, a parent or family member may be invited to join a meeting if it supports the student’s learning and participation, but we ask that the student remain the primary voice in those conversations.

Respectful Communication
Post University is committed to maintaining a respectful and collaborative environment for all. We ask parents and families to model the same courtesy and professionalism we extend to every student and family member.

The following behaviors interfere with our ability to serve students effectively and are not permitted:

• Repeated contact about the same issue after the University has provided an explanation or rendered a decision.
• Threats, aggressive or disrespectful language, or demands for specific outcomes.

Our shared goal is to find constructive, student-focused solutions while supporting a positive campus community and maintaining a respectful and collaborative environment for all students, families and staff.

If respectful communication is not observed, the University may take the following steps:

• Staff will remind families of the guidelines and redirect communication to the appropriate channels, prioritizing direct engagement with the student.
• Repeated contacts or concerning behaviors will be documented by University staff for reference and potential escalation.
• The University may limit or restrict further communication from parents or family members if behaviors persist, especially if they interfere with the student’s ability to engage independently or disrupt University operations.
• Ongoing issues may be referred to a designated Parental Concerns Liaison (such as the Dean of Students) for consistent, professional response and resolution.
• Referral to Conduct Process: In cases of severe or persistent disrespectful behavior, the University reserves the right to refer the matter to its conduct process, which may result in formal restrictions on parental involvement or access to University staff and resources.

Final Decisions and Next Steps

Once the University has reviewed a matter and communicated its outcome, we ask both students and families to honor that decision. If an official appeal process exists, information about how to appeal will be provided to the student.

Staff Support and Escalation
University staff are trained to:

• Remind families of this policy and redirect communication appropriately.
• Work directly with students to foster independence and self-advocacy.
• Document repeated contacts or any interactions that involve concerning behavior or repeated conversations.
• Refer ongoing issues to a designated Parental Concerns Liaison (such as the Dean of Students) who can ensure consistent, professional responses.

Thank you for partnering with Post University to help students grow in confidence, independence, and responsibility. Together, we can empower them to make the most of their college experience.