Resources for Parents of FIS Students

Parents can be important partners in their student’s success. However, it is important for parents to support the Freshman Intensive Studies (FIS) program’s philosophy of encouraging students to be self-advocating, active learners. At times, this means fighting the urge to resolve the problem for the student. Rather, parents should view themselves as “coaches,” as they guide their students in making good choices.

Parents of FIS students should be advised that the FIS staff is unable to give out specific information regarding their student over the phone. However, we will meet with parents in person with the student present. All meetings will be coordinated through the student, as the FIS staff is always mindful of the student’s responsibility in the process.

The following contains information and resources to help parents understand the FIS experience, their role in the educational process, and how to ease their own transition into the FDU experience.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)–for information regarding students’ and parents’ rights to access of information.

Important FIS Timetables

Parents should be aware of the following processes that occur during the FIS year:

  • Fall Midterm Grade Reporting–In mid-October, students will receive a printed grade report given out in their Freshman Seminar. The grade report is also available via Self-Service. If students fall below a 2.0 average, they will be placed on “FIS Academic Alert” and need to cease participation in athletics or co-curricular activities for the remainder of the semester. FIS Academic Alert does not appear on a student’s transcript; it is strictly an internal mechanism for monitoring student progress.
  • Fall Academic Advising Workshop–In October, at least one week of Freshman Seminar will be devoted to the advising process. Students will then attend a one-hour workshop where they will select classes for the spring semester and learn more about the Freshman Registration Lottery. Students failing to attend this workshop will not be able to participate in the lottery.
  • End of Term Grade Reporting (Fall)–Approximately 2 weeks after the end of final exams, Enrollment Services mails a grade report to each student’s home address. However, students are able to access their grades almost immediately via Self-Service. Self-Service allows students to view their grades, transcripts, course schedules, standardized test scores, term bill, and financial aid award letter. All students receive a Log-In and Password for Self-Service via their Webmail accounts at the beginning of the year.
  • Mid-Year Academic Review–In January, Becton College of Arts and Sciences reviews the the academic records of all students. Students whose term GPA is below a 2.0 will be placed on College Probation, as well as FIS Probation. College Probation appears on a student’s transcript. Students placed on College Probation will receive a certified letter mailed to their home address. Included in that letter will be information regarding any FIS-specific sanctions that have been imposed. Keep in mind that FIS students are not dismissed from the university in mid-year.
  • Spring Mid-Semester Grade Reporting–In mid-March, students will again receive a printed grade report, as well as having access to the report via Self-Service. Students below a 2.0 will be placed on Academic Alert with the same stipulations in place from the Fall.
  • Spring Academic Advising Workshop–In Late March/ Early April, students will attend a one-hour workshop designed to assist them with their transition out of FIS and inform them of the process for taking Summer classes at FDU or elsewhere. Students are advised for their sophomore schedules in the respective advising center for their intended major. Students interested in taking summer classes at FDU will be advised by FIS advisors.
  • End of Term Grade Reporting (Spring)–Approximately 2 weeks after the end of final exams, Enrollment Services mails a grade report to each student’s home address. Again, students may access their grade reports via Self-Service.
  • End of Year Academic Review–In May, the College again reviews all academic records. Students earning below a 2.0 GPA for the semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester. Students earning below a 2.0 GPA for the semester AND year are subject to suspension from the university. Again, a certified letter is sent to the student’s home address. Included in that letter are guidelines for appeal.