FERPA and Parent Communication
At Belmont University, we are deeply committed to protecting your student’s privacy and upholding the standards set forth by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). These federal guidelines ensure the confidentiality of student education records, and they apply to all students—regardless of whether they are enrolled in in-person, hybrid, or online courses.
FERPA prevents the University from sharing a student’s academic or personal information with a parent, guardian, or any other third party without the student’s written consent. If your student would like to grant permission for us to share such information with you, they must complete a FERPA Release Form, available on the Registrar’s website.
Resources for Parents
Resources for Students
- Attending regularly helps you stay engaged, hear important updates, and absorb material firsthand. Meeting with your professor shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions, clarify confusion, and make a plan for moving forward.
- GPS Is a resource for your journey through your educational experience. Because it's important that you think comprehensively about your strengths, passions and needs as well as the needs of your community, nation and world, the GPS office offers a variety of tools and activities to guide you along your way, including individual Coaching Sessions
- Belmont’s Learning Centers offer free tutoring and group study support in subjects like math, science, writing, programming, business, and languages. No appointment is needed—just stop by for a full session, quick question, or a quiet place to work
- Start with the essentials. Are you getting enough rest, eating regularly, staying active, and making time to recharge? Sometimes, meeting your basic needs, such as, sleep, hydration, movement, and healthy meals, can make a real difference in how you feel and function.
- You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Belmont offers both clinical and non-clinical support, depending on what you’re experiencing and what you’re ready for.
- Belmont Counseling Services provides free, confidential short-term counseling to help you manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and more. Services include individual counseling, group therapy, crisis response, and mental health consultations.
- TimelyCare gives you access to 24/7 virtual mental health support, including scheduled counseling visits and on-demand TalkNow services with licensed providers. It’s free and available to all Belmont students. To schedule an appointment or access services, visit the Health & Wellness Center website or go directly to TimelyCare.
- University Ministries offers spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and opportunities for prayer, reflection, and community to support your emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Student Care & Support helps students navigate personal, emotional, and academic challenges by connecting them with campus and community resources and offering individualized support.
How to Talk to Faculty
Building a connection with your professors can make a big difference in your experience at Belmont, both academically and personally. Reaching out shows that you care about your learning and helps you stay on track. Still, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about how to bring up questions or concerns. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful communication tips to help you get started.
Helpful Reminders for Reaching Out
- In-person conversations go a long way. When possible, try catching your professor after class or visiting during their office hours. If you’re reaching out by email, include a note about wanting to follow up in person.
- Give a heads-up when you can. If you know you’ll miss class, let your professor know in advance.
- It’s okay to keep things general. You don’t have to share all the details. Using phrases like “medical reasons,” “family emergency,” or “ongoing health issues” can give your professor enough context while still maintaining your privacy. That said, the more your professor understands, the more they may be able to support you.
- Make a clear plan. If you need to catch up on assignments or readings, ask your professor to help set a plan with specific deadlines. Follow through on what you commit to, and if anything changes, communicate that early. This builds trust and shows your accountability.
- Stay in touch. Don’t let communication drop off. If plans shift or deadlines become tough to meet, keep your professor in the loop. Professors appreciate transparency and will often work with you to adjust the plan if they see you’re making the effort.
Office Hours & Location
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Location: Beaman Student Life Center, Suite 200
Contact us:
Phone: 615.460.6407
Email: studentcare@belmont.edu or studentconcerns@belmont.edu