We get two common questions from parents — "what exactly do you do, anyway?" and "can't you tell me what my child is up to?" We hope the answers below will help you gain a clearer picture of what we do here at the College or Arts and Sciences Advising Office.

What does an academic advisor do?

Academic advisors:

• partner with students on their progress towards graduation and meeting their academic and career goals
• assist students in course selection and help them stay on track with core curriculum and major requirements
• help undecided students determine a major based on their interests and aptitudes
• provide assistance and referrals to appropriate resources to students who are experiencing academic or personal difficulties to help resolve these obstacles to their success

Why won’t advisors share information with me about my student?

Your student’s educational records are protected the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a federal law governing the privacy and handling of educational records and giving specific rights to students. Basically it means that you have no inherent right to inspect your child's educational records if he or she refuses to give them to you.

Advisors are required to follow FERPA guidelines when dealing with student information. You can learn more about FERPA here:

• UAB's FERPA information website
• The US Department of Education's FERPA webpage