The "Need to Know" Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The Legal & Privacy Stuff

Can I call the instructor to check on my student's grades? No. Due to a federal law called FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), once a student enrolls in a college course, even if they are a minor, their privacy rights belong to them. Instructors are legally prohibited from discussing a student’s progress with anyone else, including parents, without the student’s written consent. That being said, High School Instructors have their own set of policies they can follow.

How do I find out how my student is doing?

The best way is to have your student log into their VU-x portal in front of you. This is where official final grades are posted. High school portals (like PowerSchool or Canvas) may not always reflect the final college grade, but they are great references if that is easier access.

Grades & Risk

Does a bad grade really follow them forever? Yes. This is a permanent college transcript. A "D" or "F" earned in high school will stay on their record and will be part of their cumulative GPA at whatever college they attend later.

How do I pay my students' bills (if applicable)?

How does my student order their official transcripts?

Can Dual Credit affect their future Financial Aid?

To receive the FAFSA or other financial aid after high school, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If a student fails multiple dual credit classes now, they could start their freshman year of college on "Financial Aid Warning" or be ineligible for certain grants immediately.

What is the difference between a "Withdrawal” known as a “W" and an “F” known as a "Failure"?

The “W”: For VU Dual Credit, if a student drops a class after the withdrawal deadline, they get a “W” on their transcript. It doesn’t hurt their GPA; it just essentially means they didn’t finish. 

An F is an F and is a permanent record. While a student can retake a class at VU later, or even during their dual credit journey in High School to replace the grade, it’s still much easier for students to protect their GPA from the start. It’s something that you should discuss with your student and ensure that they know this reality.

Costs & Transcripts

How much money are we actually saving? A lot. Most Dual Credit courses cost roughly $25 per credit hour depending on the site and the modality of delivery. On a university campus, that same 3-credit class can cost $1,000 or more. By completing some college now, you student could be saving your family over $10,000 in future tuition, housing, various fees, and possible interest.

How do we get these credits to another college? Credits do not transfer automatically. Your student must request an Official Transcript from Vincennes University via Parchment. 

Pro-Tip: Students should wait until mid-June after they graduate high school to ensure all final grades are posted before sending the transcript to their chosen college.

Academic Expectations

Who pays for the textbooks? This varies by school district. Some high schools provide the books, while others require students to purchase them. Check with your high school leadership.

What if my student has an IEP or 504 Plan?

High school accommodations do not automatically apply to college courses. Your student must "Self-Identify" and provide documentation to the VU Office of Diverse Abilities and Accommodations (ODAA) to receive college-level accommodations.

How to Help (Without Overstepping)

We get it. They are your little angel baby after all. Support from you is critical, but you have to go about it the right way. Here are some helpful tips

  • Don't email the teacher for them.
  • Do help them draft a professional email to their instructor if they ask. 
  • Do remind them to check their email and VU-x account for deadlines. Email is a crucial tool and they will undoubtedly miss something if they don’t check that or the VU-x system regularly
  • Do encourage them to reach out to their school to find out what Tutoring services are available. 
  • Do contact your Dual Credit Rep if you ever have any questions. Our team loves to help!
  • Read more: What to do if I know my student is struggling.