College Websites

[Justawoman]

This morning on talk radio they were discussing how the newest thing for schools to do is make grades accessible via the internet for parents. I agreed that this would be great for High School students. Not only could a parent check Johnny's grades but you could check to see if he was actually attending school. Then the discussion turned to college. Should a parent have this kind of access with their college student? I have mixed emotions about this. Our oldest attends college and we could go access her grades via the web. I have never felt compelled too. I figure if she is old enough to leave the nest then she needs to be old enough to be responsible enough to do college without Mommy. By that I mean I can't make her want to succeed, she has to want it for herself. But then again, if I had been checking up on her I would have seen her grades sucked her first and second semesters. It cost her all her financial aid. Bummer for her. But if I had known I would have been tempted to treat her like a small child and reprimanded her. Would it have helped? I won't know now. Do you think parents should have the ability to check up on your almost grown child who is in college?

[theyeti]

I could go on a pretty big rant of my own about college websites - small colleges are the worst for being poorly organized and sometimes downright unnavigable... it's annoying! And it's a turnoff! Especially when you can go three or four times to a website and then the fifth time finally find the information you need but had no clue it was even there before!

Anyway, grades: :) I suppose I'm kind of biased but I'd be against letting a parent check on that. I mean, we're talking people in their 20s here. I think college students can handle themselves. If you're going to fund your kid's higher education you should probably have the trust in them beforehand that they're going to using the money to actually get an education.

I think, actually I know some schools have systems set up where you can send automatic grade reports to the parents, if the student chooses to.

[Justawoman]

I hope in your quest for a college you find the staff friendly and helpful. Our oldest decided to switch to the local Community College in Clovis. She was amazed at the difference in attitudes with the staff. It has made a difference in her attitude as well.

[jamesglewisf]

In Texas, parents aren't allowed access to grades without a written consent from the student if the student is 18 years old or older. My bride used to work in the admissions office of the local community college. This really hacks off a lot of parents who are paying for their kids' schooling.

Better education of the parents on the rules would be helpful. I'm sure a lot of parents would tell their kids that they can have all the independence they want as long as it includes financial independence. Most 20-year-olds don't know what they're asking for. Being independent is more work and responsibility than fun. Just ask my friends who are still paying off college loans in their 30's.

I'm torn because I think that college ought to be fun. Why? Because when you finish, job searching, real independence, and real responsiblity show up. Making it on your own is a lot scarier than most 22 year-olds like. But I also think it is worthwhile to work while in school. Kids who pay for their own college education will probably take their grades more seriously. That's why if I am going to pay or help pay for my daughter's education, then I'll be reviewing grades. Something for nothing doesn't work in my opinion.

The funny thing about it is that when I was in college (boy I feel old saying that), there wasn't any question about whether or not my parents were going to see my grades. My parents didn't even have to tell me so. It was common sense. I didn't question whether or not they respected me. I respected and appreciated the fact they were giving me a little independence instead of all of my independence.

Here's the funniest part of it to me: "I'm 20 years old; I shouldn't have to show you my grades. Where's the trust?" And then 3-4 years later when they finish their 5-6 year degree plan, they're moving back in with you. "I'm 24 years old, I shouldn't have to be in by midnight." How about, "You're 24 years old, get the heck out of my house, Mr. Independent."

As someone who has been in my 20's and as someone who hires people in their 20's, I can tell you that most 20-year-olds are not as mature and responsible as they think they are. Why? Because they know they can fall back on their parents when they screw things up royally.

[Justawoman]

In Texas, parents aren't allowed access to grades without a written consent from the student if the student is 18 years old or older. My bride used to work in the admissions office of the local community college. This really hacks off a lot of parents who are paying for their kids' schooling.

Are you sure about this? Because if you are then where my daughter went her first year did a huge no-no. At the parent day orientation we, along with our student, were told it was wise to come up with a password together for the Student Advisor section of their website. They really were talking to the students more than the parents when they said," it is wise to include your parents in on your grades. They need to know how you are doing and we don't send out paper grades any more." So that is exactly what my daughter and I did. I knew her password and login in name. I never signed anything and neither did my daughter towards granting access.

But I also think it is worthwhile to work while in school. Kids who pay for their own college education will probably take their grades more seriously. That's why if I am going to pay or help pay for my daughter's education, then I'll be reviewing grades. Something for nothing doesn't work in my opinion.

I totally agree. We tried to stress to our daughter that she would have to work and not to carry to many hours. That was mainly her problem. 17 hours and a fulltime job. It didn't help matters that all of her classes were science related. But we couldn't tell her she was in over head for her freshman year. Now she is working fulltime, here in Muleshoe, and getting herself back into college. The whole attitude thing is different.

[jamesglewisf]

Your daughter giving you the password is the same as her giving permission. The written permission was for when the parents called in or showed up without the kid.

[theyeti]

They really were talking to the students more than the parents when they said," it is wise to include your parents in on your grades. They need to know how you are doing and we don't send out paper grades any more."
I'm surprised they actually said that. Well, surprised isn't probably the right word, but it seems a little weaselly.

[Justawoman]

I didn't take it as being weaselly. It was genuinely seen as a concern for wanting our first year students to succeed and pull down good grades for their hard work. What was weaselly was the guidance counselor we were assigned that never blilnked an eye at an incoming freshman trying to pull down 17 hours and all of them science related classes with two labs, plus knowing she was going to be working fulltime. I voiced my opinion and they both looked at me like I was nuts.

So there in lies where you have to watch. Don't get in over your head the first year. The first year is definitely about getting a groove going and fitting in. She added way too much stress on herself.

[asnchic]

I go to a pretty large university that puts all of their information online for the students.

I like the way it works in Texas simply because the student can decide what they want. Personally though, if you're paying for your student's education, you have to be vigilant because it's not just money being lost, it's time and though learning can be expensive, there's really no point to it if the kid isn't taking it seriously. It's an investment in your kids and you want them to be successful. I don't think it's a trust issue or that they're not capable enough to do well. I just think that if you're paying for something, you should see the fruits of your labor.

Asian families usually have issues with their children getting jobs while in college. My parents are paying my way now and though I've met many students who are in my shoes who don't take advantage of college, I think that serves as motivation for me to do better. Alas, I've never ridden the fence as hard as I am now between an A and a B, regretfully. I guess it's different motivation that sets us on our path. In an ideal world, the first thing I do once I strike it up on my own is to retire them.

So there in lies where you have to watch. Don't get in over your head the first year. The first year is definitely about getting a groove going and fitting in. She added way too much stress on herself.

It's very easy to do that though and you don't realize the pressure that are on students to do more. At UT Austin, they're contemplating on passing a measure that sets flat rate tuition at 15 hours. It's not bad, but some people do have jobs and work to get through school. It's not just about pressuring yourself these days, it's about pressure that the school puts on you. 15 hours isn't impossible but it's a major wake up call fresh out of high school.

For what I want to become, I would have been taking 17 credit hours my first semester in college. Thank god for AP tests.

[jamesglewisf]

I loved AP tests. I had 26 hours before I stepped on campus. My first semester was easier than my senior year because the AP classes were harder than the first-year college classes. I took 17 hours each semester and had 60 hours at the end of my freshman year. Then I slacked off and took between 9 and 12 the rest of the time. I did have a job, though.