Information for Parents: Students Welcome
Frequently Asked Questions
Access to Student Records
Why is SVC unable to tell me anything about my student?
According to federal law, college students have the right to the privacy of all their education records including grades, financial information, and disciplinary records. Under this law, parents who want to gain access to a student’s records can do so if the student signs a Release of Information form. Unless a student makes other arrangements with us, we do not contact parents about his or her progress at college. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate with the parent and tell how things are going. The student may talk to a Skagit Valley College staff person about other options available for release of information to their parents.How can I get a copy of my student's grades?
The easiest and fastest way to obtain information about your child’s grades or records is for the student to provide it for you. Students can look up information by logging in Online at the Student’s Toolbox and either print it off or email a copy to you.
Since I'm paying for my child's education, why can't I get a copy of his/her records?
FERPA requires that access to a college student’s records must be released by approval of the student. However, parents can receive information about their student if they show proof that the student is financially dependent for IRS purposes. To do so, submit a copy of your tax records that show dependent status, to the registration office. Please know that our staff may not be able to grant your request immediately as they are required to have the Registrar’s permission prior to releasing student records to anyone other than the student.How can I get verification of my student's enrollment and grade point average for my insurance company?
A verification form may be obtained through the Admissions and Registration Office. The form requires the student’s signature, and then it may be mailed to the college or dropped off at the office to be processed.How do I get a message to my student?
For emergencies only, Skagit Valley College admission number, 360.416.7600, is the first place to call if you need to contact your student. Although we cannot guarantee we can reach your student, we do make the effort to do so. If the student is in class, as per his or her schedule, we will deliver the message to the instructor for disbursement. We will return a message to parents to let them know if we could successfully complete delivery. In case of extreme emergency, the Deans office will be alerted and necessary steps are taken to locate your student on campus.Paying for My Student’s Education
How do I know if my student's tuition is paid in full?
Your student can look up their current schedule at MySVC and it will show the tuition at the bottom of the screen. Login to MySVC to access this information. It will show the outstanding balance or a zero balance if tuition is paid.Do I have to pay tuition all at once?
Tuition must be paid in full on or before the due date. If your financial aid award is not enough to cover tuition or is not in place by the tuition date, you must still pay by the due date. The Financial Aid office has a Tuition Payment Plan available that requires a $30.00 processing fee, without interest. They will loan up to 60% of the tuition and fees. Books or supplies are not covered under the Tuition Payment Plan.How do I pay for my student's education?
To find out more about how to apply for financial aid and scholarships click on the Financial Aid Web page. If you are unable to pay your tuition you may contact the Financial Aid Office regarding a Tuition Payment Plan. Information on student employment on campus, work-study, and institutional work-study is available through the financial aid office.Why do I have to give my income information when my student applies for financial aid?
Congress has determined that parents are responsible for providing for their children’s educational expenses until they achieve independent status. In general, to be classified as an independent student a person must fit into one of the following categories:- 24 years of age
- married
- have own dependents
- be a veteran of the military
- working on a master’s degree
- or have extreme extenuating circumstances.
If a student cannot fit into one of these categories, then the parent is required to provide information on the FAFSA form to determine financial aid eligibility.
Are there part-time job opportunities while attending SVC?
Yes. Many of our students work on and off campus while they attend college. Our Career Center maintains an Online Job Board link on the Career Services webpage. In addition, there are on-campus work-study jobs listed on the board in the Financial Aid office.Selecting the Right Program
How can I help my student choose the right class?
Choosing the right class is very important for a new student’s success in their first quarter. It is highly recommended that all new students attend an advising orientation through the Counseling and Career Center before registering for classes.Is there any honor society for students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher?
Yes. The Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society.How can students purchase their books before the quarter begins?
Students may buy books at the Cardinal Bookstore on campus or online at www.cardinalbookstore.com. To determine which textbooks to purchase students can obtain their class schedule online, print it, and take it to the bookstore.What is Tech Prep?
Tech Prep credit is college credit that is earned at the student’s high school. Tech Prep college credit can be applied two different ways.- Credit can be applied towards the Professional/Technical degree in the specific area in which the credit was granted.
- Credit applied as “restricted electives” towards an Associate of Arts University College Transfer degree earned at a Washington State Community College.