Approach to Family Communications

Dartmouth balances student privacy and independence with appropriate family involvement with these guiding principles.

Guiding principles for Dartmouth’s interactions with families

We use the term “family” to include all important people in an undergraduate student’s life whom they deem to be their family—including parents, guardians, supporters, and other chosen family.

Dartmouth values our undergraduate students as emerging adults and centers our relationship on their learning, safety, and well‑being. While Dartmouth’s primary relationship is with students, we recognize their families’ critical role in supporting student success and well-being and contributing to the Dartmouth community. Dartmouth balances student privacy and independence with appropriate family involvement as described below.

In planning for interactions with our students’ families, we always keep these guiding principles in mind:

Student learning, well-being and accountability: Dartmouth supports holistic education and personal development, providing resources and initiatives to support students’ access, academic success, and personal development, and helping students learn from their decisions and unexpected challenges while contributing to a respectful community.

Student agency and decision making: Undergraduate students are expected and empowered to manage their own academic, financial, and personal affairs. While providing appropriate institutional support, Dartmouth interacts with students as adults and expects them to assume responsibility for their choices and conduct.

Student privacy and confidentiality: Dartmouth follows federal law (FERPA) and institutional policy concerning student privacy and generally maintains confidentiality of students’ educational and health records. Students can expect that information about their academic progress, disciplinary matters, and health will be handled with discretion.

Family partnership and dialogue: Dartmouth encourages open dialogue between students and families to support student development while allowing students space for independent decision-making.

Family Programming and Direct Support

To empower undergraduates’ families to be prepared to support their students throughout their educational journey, Dartmouth offers programs and resources (e.g., bi-weekly family newsletter, summer Family Orientation for incoming families, and Family Weekend for first-year and graduating families) to familiarize families with the resources and opportunities available to students. The Director of Family Support coordinates additional support for families, particularly in times of need.

Communication with Families

A. Typical communication

Dartmouth communicates primarily with our students, who may authorize sharing specific information with families by completing Dartmouth’s applicable consent forms or electronic permissions. Non-specific information: General college information (e.g., academic calendars, general academic policies, billing deadlines, campus safety alerts, general event notices) is typically shared through public channels.

Students are prompted to designate third parties to receive select communication from Dartmouth: emergency contacts and campus communications.

Student-specific information: For individualized academic records, student billing, or course-specific information, Dartmouth communicates directly with students unless the student has given consent to share that information with others.

Faculty members do not communicate with families.

B. Exceptions

There are circumstances in which Dartmouth may notify students’ emergency contacts without prior student consent, consistent with federal and state law and institutional policy. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Safety and health emergencies: When a student’s health or safety is at serious risk (e.g., imminent physical danger, psychiatric emergencies, etc.).

Changes in enrollment or housing status: If a student undergoes an enrollment status change (e.g., withdraws from Dartmouth, takes a leave of absence, is suspended, is involuntarily removed from campus housing, etc.).

Serious misconduct or legal violations: When a student’s conduct raises substantial concerns about campus safety or violates College policy or law (e.g., incidents involving violence, sexual misconduct, or significant criminal activity).

Other legally permitted disclosures: When authorized by statute, regulation, or other legal exception to student confidentiality.

C. Confidentiality

Dartmouth exercises discretion and care in deciding to communicate with families, balancing student autonomy with safety and educational interests. When contacting families under exceptions to confidentiality, the College will provide information limited to what is necessary to address the situation.

D. Procedures and staff roles

Students can authorize Dartmouth to share information with families through designated consent processes and can update permissions at any time.

When students have concerns, they are encouraged to seek support from their undergraduate dean, residence hall staff, or other trusted staff or faculty members.

Families seeking guidance may contact the Director of Family Support, who can explain resources and facilitate appropriate involvement.

When families contact other Dartmouth staff directly, staff will generally refer the inquiry to the student, explain confidentiality limits, and, where appropriate, request student consent for staff to discuss specifics. If additional care is warranted, staff will refer families to the Director of Family Support. Generally, staff will not withhold from students that their family was in contact.

Faculty refer all family inquiries to the Director of Family Support.

Resources and Further Information

Students and families with questions about this policy or about specific privacy, health, academic, or conduct matters should consult:

Family Support frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

The Director of Family Support: family.support@dartmouth.edu

The Registrar’s Office (for FERPA questions)

Community Standards & Accountability

Student Handbook

Resources for Students in Need

Contact details and procedures for student authorization to share records are available on the Dartmouth website and through the appropriate administrative offices.