Partners In Eductation

Partners in Education -> How it works

The primary mission of Tennessee Technological University, as the state's only technological university, is to provide leadership and outstanding programs in engineering, the sciences, and related areas that benefit the people of Tennessee and the nation. The University also provides strong programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, agriculture and human ecology, nursing, music, art and interdisciplinary studies. Tennessee Tech serves students from throughout the state, nation, and many other countries, but it retains a special commitment to enrich the lives of people and communities in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.

We believe that students are best served by a learning environment that meets their needs as individuals through the integration of student life services and academic programs. Similarly, we believe that many students may also benefit from their participation in a collaborative partnership that includes the student, their family and the TTU staff.

The Partners In Education program helps address the needs of students by creating just such a partnership, fostering communication between students, their families and the University. Designated professional staff can help families to open communication lines and provide support service to improve the academic success of students. Through the Partners In Education program, families can seek answers to questions that arise throughout the year, and will receive information and suggestions to help them provide effective support for their student. Together, we can help create a competitive edge that will help each student succeed.

Services will be provided to members of Partners In Education after the student signs the waiver to release information. Members are entitles to the following benefits:

Parents' Newsletters - Each semester newsletters are sent that discuss new academic policies, curricular changes, and advisement concerns. Newsletters will also contain important reminders and news from the campus.

Final Grades - TTU does not routinely mail grades to students. Students access their grades through Eagle Online. However, members of the partnership will receive final grades each semester.

Academic Advisement - TTU academic advisors are available by appointment for one-on-one conferences, as is the Director of Orientation and Student Success, Dustin Rawls. Partners who desire a conference with their student's academic advisor should telephone Mr. Rawls at 931.372.3245 and he will assist in arranging an appointment.

Discipline Records - The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA) grants access to students disciplinary records if specific conditions are met. As a member of the PIE program, you will have unrestricted access to your students' disciplinary records. Additionally, you will be contacted by the university if your student reports to the university that s/he is the victim of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, and/or if your student is under the age of 21 and is found responsible for alcohol and/or drug-related offenses. For specific questions regarding your students' discipline records contact the Dean of Students Office at 931.372.3237.

Telephone Assistance - When questions, concerns, or problems arise, members may call the Office of Orientation & Student Success, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 931.372.3245.

Joining Partners In Education - To become a member of Partners In Education, a student must sign and return the Student Release of Confidential Information form, (the release does not apply to personal counseling, health, or financial information protected by FERPA; however, if students are experiencing problems in these areas, TTU staff will be happy to assist in identifying available resources). The student has the right to withdraw the release at any time. The release is no longer in effect once the student reaches the age of 21.

Personal Identification Number (PIN) - The PIN requested on the Students' Release of Confidential Information form is for the purpose of identifying the non-student member when he/she calls to request information. Please choose three letters and three numbers (e.g. ABC 123), record them in the spaces below, and give this sheet to your non-student partner, as he/she will need it when calling for information:

All activities of Partners In Education are directed toward strengthening the collaborative relationship between the student, the family and Tennessee Technological University, with the goal of improving the academic success and retention of students.