Parent Sessions & FAQs

Parents play an important part in the decision-making process for students who are entering college. Now is the time to impress upon students the need to understand college procedures and processes so that they will make informed decisions. It is also the time to let them know when it is important that they consult with you before making decisions.

To help your student make informed decisions, we invite you to attend a Parent/Guest Information Session that will be held while your student is taking his/her placement test.

The Parent/Guest Session held on testing days will include an overview of placement testing and other activities leading to enrollment. You also will receive information and have the opportunity to ask questions on a variety of topics.

Sessions are held in the Student and Administrative Services Center (SASC) Presentation Room, 1056. See the test day and parent session agenda. Copies of agendas will also be available at placement testing check-in.

The Parent/Guest Session will cover the following areas:

Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

My son or daughter doesn't understand the information. Why won't you talk to me about his/her test results, developmental requirements, or other academic information so I can explain it to him/her?

First, it is important for your son or daughter to take responsibility for making his/her own decisions while attending Penn College. Hearing the information and explanations directly from us will help her/him make informed decisions.

In addition, federal laws prohibit the release of certain information to anyone but the student himself/herself. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 identifies the rights of students and their families with respect to student educational records kept by institutions.

Additional information is available online from the Office of the Registrar at www.pct.edu/registrar/FERPA/ferpainfo.htm.

So, I'll be kept in the dark?

No. You are invited to attend an information session on the day that your student takes placement tests. At this session, you will receive general information and can ask questions about procedures and services. You also are encouraged to attend the Pre-Enrollment Advising Session with your student. Parents are invited to attend all group and individual meetings on that day and are free to ask questions.

If I can't make it to the formal sessions, may I call for information?

We cannot discuss the information with you alone. Ask your son or daughter to call our office and you can, with his/her permission, listen in on the conversation and ask questions.