Frequently Asked Questions for Family Members
General Questions
The Office of the University Registrar keeps a variety of calendars on its web site.
KU students are subject to Kansas law, which prohibits consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of 21. With limited exceptions, KU does not allow alcohol to be consumed on campus. For more information, please review the alcohol and drug policy.
The University does not have the authority to control off campus student consumption of alcohol. However, KU does provide a variety of educational programs to help students make informed decisions about alcohol use.
KU has a counseling center on campus, Counseling and Psychological Services, located in the Watkins Memorial Health Center.
The University Ombudsman helps students, staff or faculty members, who find themselves in a disagreement or dispute within the University. Specifically, the ombudsman can research and explain relevant University policies, procedures, and problem-solving alternatives and make referrals to other campus and community resources. The ombudsperson may be helpful when your circumstances do not fit into any of the normal procedures. Before going in person, call the office at 864-7261 to be certain they are available.
The purpose of the KU Parent Assistance telephone number, 785-864-5872, is to quickly connect family members with the University to obtain specific information and connect them with the appropriate University office or resource.
The phone is answered during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST), Monday - Friday, by the Office of Student Affairs.
You may also email at parents@ku.edu.
Emergencies
Student Affairs coordinates the University response to campus and individual student emergencies. Student Affairs is also the contact when students are involved in a serious incident away from the Lawrence campus. Student Affairs will offer information, counseling, and support to students, their families and others affected by the incident. Student Affairs insures appropriate, confidential notification and communication among University offices when responding to campus and individual student emergencies. Keeping community safety and security at its core, Student Affairs is always available to assist students in negotiating the University community. To report an extended illness or accident that keeps a student away from class, contact Student Support and Case Management in Student Affairs at 785-864-4060.
KU Office of Public Safety (police)
785-864-5900 -- 24 hours, 7 days a week
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
785-864-4060 -- 8 - 5 Monday - Friday
TTY/TTD number for people with hearing or speech impairments
785-864-2620 -- 8 - 5 Monday - Friday
In an emergency the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs staff will try to contact a student at class and ask them to call you. If we are unsuccessful, we will let you know.
Student Information
Federal law, the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), prohibits the release of more than directory information about any KU student. The law was designed to protect student privacy. The Office of the University Registrar has more information about access to student grades.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that prohibits the release of more than directory information about any KU student. The law was designed to protect student privacy.
Additional information and resources:
Some offices do have release forms that your student may sign to allow others access to their educational records; however, there is not an all inclusive FERPA release form used at KU. The most common release form is available from the Office of the University Registrar.
Watkins Health Services has a special HIPPA form.
Academic Questions
The University does not have an excused absences policy. Each professor sets the standards for their class. If a student needs to miss a class, they should contact their professor prior to the absence and make arrangements. However, a professor is not obligated to allow a student to be excused from class. To report an extended illness or accident that keeps a student away from class, contact Student Support and Case Management in Student Affairs at studentsupport@ku.edu
All freshmen in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as undecided students, go through the Undergraduate Advising Center. If a student is in one of the freshman entry programs such as Engineering, Architecture, or Fine Arts, their advisor is assigned by the School.
There are a variety of tutoring services available on campus. The best place to start is with the University Academic Support Centers - Tutoring Services located in 22 Strong Hall.