When students under the age of 21 are found responsible for violating alcoholic beverage and/or controlled substance laws or policies, VCU will notify their parent or guardian of such violations if the student is under the age of 21 at the time of the notification, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Amendments to FERPA signed into federal law in fall 1998 specifically allow notification to the parents or guardians of students under the age of 21 who violate any law or university rule regarding the use or possession of alcohol or other controlled substance.
The purpose of this practice is to both keep parents informed and to help provide students additional assistance as they cope with the consequences of their actions. The parental notification recommends to parents that if they haven't, to have a conversation with their student about the events that have precipitated this incident.