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Dual Enrollment – Parents

GHC is here to help our dual enrollment students and their parents!  Please let us know if you have a question that is not addressed on the DE pages.

Educational Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their child’s educational records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99.

Students can complete the GHC FERPA Release Form and submit it to registrar@highlands.edu in order for GHC to be able to disclose information from the academic records of the student to the parent(s).

Eligibility vs Readiness

While a student might meet eligibility requirements for dual enrollment, that does not necessarily mean it's the best fit for them.  The academic rigor of college courses and expectations of students in the courses are significantly more from high school courses.  Due to this, student's should be at a maturity level where they are capable of handling the extra workload, commitment to their classes, and have an elevated level of personal initiative. Parents are encouraged to consider not only their student's performance in high school classes, but also their maturity level, ability to handle stress, willingness to seek assistance, organizational skills, and assertiveness of their students. You can familiarize yourself with some of the differences students can expect taking DE classes by reviewing GHC's High School Vs. College: Know the Differences and What to Expect.

Communication with Instructors

Students are responsible for contacting their GHC instructor directly about questions or issues they are having.  If the student is having difficulty with determining how to contact their instructor or with replies, they should reach out to GHC's Dual Enrollment Coordinator for assistance.

Grades

There is not a Parent Portal for you to access your child's grades as many parents are accustomed to having with high schools.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child about their academic progress in their classes.  Students can check their grade at any point during the semester by speaking with their instructor. Encourage your child to keep track of his or her own grades.

Helping your DE student

The Dual Enrollment Program is an excellent opportunity for your child to begin taking more responsibility for themselves and gain some independence.  Some suggestions to help in these areas are to:

  • Empower them to take charge.
  • Encourage them.
  • Give suggestions and/or advice, but do not do for them.

IEP's and/or 504 Plans

IEP's and 504 Plans do not transfer from high schools to colleges.  Students must self identify as needing accomadations through GHC's Student Support Services Disability Access.

Vacations/Medical Procedures/Illnesses

Students should relay to their instructors as early as possibly if they will be absent due to a family vacation, medical procedure, or other conflict.  Instructors are much more willing to work with students if they do.  If they foresee they are going to miss a class or not get an assignment in on time due to an illness, they should immediately contact the instructor.  Good communication on the student's part with the instructor is appreciated by them.

DE students continuing with GHC after graduating high school

GHC waives the admissions application fee for DE students who continue with GHC and they receive priority admission decisions and registration.  Your student can take advantage of GHC's low tuition rate as they earn additional credits or an AA/AS degree before transferring to another institution if GHC does not offer the program of their interest.  GHC has over 40 areas of study and offers associate and bachelor degree programs for the most in demand fields.  All credits earned at GHC will transfer to any of the other institutions under the University System of Georgia!

DE students can request the DE to Freshman Transition application be sent to them by requesting it from the GHC DE Coordinator.