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Relevant to: faculty and staff
This article contains information considered accurate at the time of publishing. Technology updates, changes in University security practices, and/or policies and procedures may affect the information in this article - updates to articles are scheduled on a periodic basis and will address any required changes.
Introduction
The following article provides information and resources for parents and family of students in the Early College Program.
What is Early College Programs at Empire State University (SUNY Empire)?
- The Early College Program is a Dual Credit program that allows high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time by taking SUNY Empire approved courses.
- Courses are taught at the participating high school by qualified high school instructors.
What are the benefits of Early College Programs at SUNY Empire?
- Rate reduction in tuition.
- Earning college level credit, while simultaneously meeting high school requirements towards graduation.
- Coursework transferability.
- Students taught by approved high school faculty.
- Inclusive classroom learning.
- Accelerate degree completion and lowering the overall cost of attending college.
What are the students' expectations?
- College coursework can be rigorous and requires time for learning outside of the classroom. Students may sometimes require additional home support to be successful learners such as a dedicated quiet place to learn, dedicated time after school, an encouraging environment, and stable internet connection.
- Be in regular communication with their instructor.
- Recognizing when additional support is needed, such as scheduling a meeting with their instructor, requesting additional tutoring, or identifying and documenting needed accommodations.
Can my student participate in the SUNY Empire Early College Program?
- Students must attend a participating high school to be eligible.
- This means that the high school and SUNY Empire have an executed partnership agreement.
What types of courses will my student be taking?
- Students enrolled in Early College Program courses are taking credit-bearing classes.
- The high school and SUNY Empire decide what courses to offer based upon the high school instructor qualifications and needs of the high school.
- Typical courses offered are in the academic areas of Math, Science, Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
What can my student expect during the course?
Your student will follow the SUNY Empire approved course curriculum which is built into the high school course. This includes:
- A 15-week term tied to the high school academic calendar.
- Completing all assigned work.
- Following the attendance policy outlined in the SUNY Empire course syllabus.
- A blended learning of online and traditional face to face instruction.
The final grade earned by the student will appear on their official SUNY Empire transcript along with the credit earned for the course.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in High School (Secondary Education)
The moment your student enrolls in a college course—even a dual credit course taught at the high school—they are legally considered a post-secondary student under Federal law.
- Under FERPA, this causes a significant change: All privacy rights transfer from the parent to the student, regardless of the student's age.
- This means that for their college records including grades, enrollment status, and correspondence with the college/high school instructor, your student—not you—now has sole control. SUNY Empire and the high school cannot legally share this information with you without your student's direct, written consent.
Here’s How Parents Can Stay Involved:
- This change in privacy doesn't mean you have to be out of the loop. The best way to stay informed about your students' college progress is to talk with them directly.
- Your student may choose to grant you access by completing a Authorization to Release form with the SUNY Empire Office of the Registrar.
- Completing this form allows students to share some or all their educational records with you.
Who to contact to learn more?
For additional questions and information about the SUNY Empire Early College Program, please email Earlycollegeprograms@sunyempire.edu