I. Policy Statement

The University of Puget Sound is committed to providing an enriching educational environment for all students as they navigate their curricular and cocurricular lives. Puget Sound will work closely with all students to provide interventions and educational programs to help align behavior when it deviates from expected norms outlined in the Student Integrity Code. However, there may be instances in which contacting a student’s parent/guardian and/or emergency contact is necessary and appropriate.

Puget Sound reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of students under the age of 21 regarding alcohol and drug policy violations, and parents/guardians and/or emergency contact of all students in the event of a student’s death, significant health and safety concerns, and a change in student status due to a conduct situation.

II. Coverage

The policy applies to all enrolled (graduate and undergraduate) university students.

III. Definitions

  1. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - A Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. The law gives parents/guardians certain rights with respect to their student’s education records. This law also permits a university to inform parents/guardians of students under the age of 21 if the student has violated law or policy concerning use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances.
  2. University Student - includes all persons registered for a course or courses at the university, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies and/or taking classes in an auditing or non-matriculant capacity. A person pursuing studies at Puget Sound is considered a student until such time that all necessary coursework has been completed, final grades have been posted, and, for degree-seeking students, the degree has been conferred.

IV. Alcohol and Drug Policy Violations

  1. If a student (regardless of age) is found to be in violation of the alcohol and drug policy, they may receive educational sanctions as part of the student conduct process. In addition, if a student is under the age of 21, a parent/guardian may be contacted under the following circumstances.
    1. A student has demonstrated that they are at risk of harming themselves or others through multiple incidents of alcohol or drug use.
    2. A student has required extensive medical attention, including but not limited to a transport to the hospital, and/or an arrest was made due to intoxication.
    3. A student has been found responsible for an alcohol or drug offense that leads to conduct suspension or loss of housing privileges.

V. Health and Safety Concerns

Additional situations may arise that warrant parent/guardian and/or emergency contact notification, such as:

  1. Puget Sound is made aware that a student has died or has been admitted to the hospital and there is reason to believe that their health and well-being is of critical concern.
  2. Student has been involved in an incident/accident during a Puget Sound sponsored event.
  3. A student’s emergency contact will be notified, as outlined in the Missing Student Policy.

VI. Change in Student Status or Conduct Situation

There are situations wherein the status of a student may change that would warrant parent/guardian and/or emergency contact notification, such as:

  1. Notification will be made if due to sanctions as a result of violations of the Student Integrity Code, Policy Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, or the Academic Integrity Code, an undergraduate student is suspended from the institution.
  2. Notification will be made if due to sanctions as a result of violations of the Student Integrity Code, the Policy Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, or the Academic Integrity Code, an undergraduate student is expelled from the institution.
  3. Notification may be made if due to sanctions as a result of violations of the Student Integrity Code, Policy Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, or the Academic Integrity Code, a graduate student is suspended or expelled from the institution.

VII. Notification Process

If notification is being made because of an alcohol or drug violation, health or safety concern, or suspension or expulsion due to the violation of Student Integrity Code, Policy Prohibiting Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, or the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment, the Dean on Call will make the notification.

Parents/Guardians should typically expect to be notified via email for non-life threatening concerns, and a phone call will be placed to Emergency Contacts for immediate and/or life threatening concerns. A parent/guardian is encouraged to have a conversation with their student to receive additional information about the incident. If a student identifies an emergency contact other than their parent/guardian, the Dean on Call will consult with the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, or their designee, prior to notification.

  1. When a parent/guardian is notified of an alcohol or drug violation, they will receive an email from the university after the case has been resolved through the conduct process; provided, however, that they may be notified earlier under circumstances described in IV.1-3, above. The email will include basic information:
    1. Information about the incident
    2. Resolution or decision
    3. Sanctions that have been assigned
    4. Links to the Student Integrity Code and Student Integrity Code Procedures
  2. When a parent/guardian and/or an Emergency Contact is notified of a health and safety concern, this will most likely occur through a phone call. The phone number the student has on-file with the university will be used.

If notification is being made because of suspension or expulsion due to violation of the Academic Integrity Code, the Provost or their designee will make the notification.

VIII. Effective Date

This policy is effective as of August 28, 2023.

IX. Related Statutes, Regulations, and Policies

Policy Owner: Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Date Adopted: August 15, 2023