Sep 29, 2025

News/Notes for Undergraduate Academic Advisors: New Staff in the Office of Academic Advising | Graduate and Professional School Fair | What to Know about FERPA - Part 2

New Staff in the Office of Academic Advising
  • The Office of Academic Advising is excited to welcome these new team members:
    • Cailey Fisher is advising all students majoring in Physical Education -Teaching or in Radiography/Sonography.   Cailey joins us from the UNI Office of Admissions, where she served as an admissions counselor.
      • Cailey will share time between two offices: Bartlett 0089 (Office of Academic Advising) and Wellness Recreation Center 133 (specific days/times in each to be announced)
    • Rebecca Baird will advise 1st year Biology and 1st Year Psychology majors as well as provide support for pre-nursing students.  Rebecca brings valuable experience from her previous role in higher education at Wartburg College.
      • Rebecca's office will be located in Bartlett 0089 (Office of Academic Advising)
    • Jason Bock is serving in a temporary position through the Fall 2025 semester, advising Biology majors from their second year through graduation. Jason has over 10 years of higher education experience in financial aid settings.
      • Jason's primary office will be in 143 McCollum Science Hall (MSH)
Graduate & Professional School Fair
  • Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Maucker Union Ballrooms
  • Students will be able to:
    • Engage with representatives from universities and institutions offering advanced degrees in a variety of fields.
    • Forge meaningful connections with admissions and faculty members as well as gain valuable insights into program specifics, admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, and more.
  • See the list of schools and academic programs that will be in attendance.
What to Know about FERPA - Part 2
  • As an academic advisor, it is crucial to understand and comply with the  Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to ensure the confidentiality and proper handling of student information. 
  • FERPA Principles for Academic Advisors
    • Legitimate Educational Interest
      • Advisors (or any school official) may access student records only if they have a legitimate educational interest, meaning the information is necessary to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
    • Non-Disclosure of Information
      • Do not disclose student schedules, grades, or other non-directory information to third parties without written consent from the student
      • Be cautious when discussing student information in public or shared spaces.
    • Handling Requests from Parents and Third Parties
      • Parents do not have automatic rights to access their child's education records at the postsecondary level.  See below for more information or share this handout or website for students and parents.
      • Verify the identity of any third party requesting student information and ensure they have the proper authorization.
    • Record-Keeping Requirements
      • Maintain accurate and secure records of student interactions and advising sessions.
      • Follow institutional policies for record retention and disposal.
    • Best Practices for Advisors
  • When do FERPA rights begin?
    • A FERPA-related college education record begins for a student when he or she enrolls in a higher education institution.
    • At a postsecondary institution, rights belong to the student in attendance, regardless of the student’s age.
  • FERPA and parents’ access to their student’s education records
    • When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution at any age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student.
    • Parents may have access to non-directory information by obtaining a signed consent from their student
    • Records may be released to parents without a signed consent from the student under certain exceptions:
      • Health or safety emergency
      • Where the student has been found in violation of the institution’s code of conduct relating to the use of alcohol or a controlled substance, if the student is under age 21
      • By submission of evidence that the parents declare the student as a dependent on their most recent Federal Income Tax form
  • See the FERPA webpage from the Office of the Registrar for detailed information and additional resources
Is Your Student Questioning their Current Major?
  • Help them Pivot with Purpose by referring them to the Office of Academic Advising. Advisors offer personalized support to help students explore:
    • Major, minor, and certificate options | Reasons for changing majors (e.g., lack of interest, career goals, academic challenges) | Self-assessments like FOCUS 2 or Strong Inventory | Goal-setting and decision-making strategies
  •  Encourage students to schedule an appointment or complete the Academic Discuss Your Major Options Request Form.
  • As a faculty or staff member, you can complete this referral form to start the outreach to a student considering changing their major.
Institutional Academic Advising Vision & Mission Statement (revised Spring 2016) [See Academic Advising Mission, Vision, Goals & Outcomes webpage]
  • Vision Statement: UNI aspires to create the best possible advising experience for each student.
  • Mission Statement: Academic Advising is a critical component of the teaching and learning environment at UNI. Advising is a personalized educational experience, empowering students to explore, articulate and achieve their academic, career and life goals.