ParentsDual Credit
Welcome Parents of a Future or Current Dual Credit Student!
Welcome to Midland College Dual Credit Programs. We know dual credit can feel both
exciting and unfamiliar for students and families. This page provides information,
resources, and answers to common questions to help you support your student throughout
their college experience.
Understanding Dual Credit
Dual Credit allows eligible high school students to take college classes and earn both high school and college credit at the same time.
Why Students Choose Dual Credit
- Save time and money on college
- Experience college-level courses early
- Build confidence before graduation
- Explore careers and degree pathways
- Transfer credits to many colleges and universities
Dual Credit vs. AP Classes
| Dual Credit | AP Courses |
|---|---|
| Earn college credit through course completion | Earn credit based on AP exam scores |
| Includes college coursework experience | Focuses on one final exam |
| Credits may transfer directly | Transfer depends on exam scores and institution |
Honest Expectations
Dual Credit is rewarding, but it also requires:
- Strong time management
- Responsibility
- Consistent communication
- College-level effort
Understanding FERPA
A Guide for Parents of Midland College Students
When your student enrolls at Midland College, their education records are protected by a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
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At the college level, FERPA rights belong to the student, not the parent.
This is true even if:
-
- The student is under 18
- The student is enrolled in Dual Credit
- You are paying for classes
FERPA protects most student education records, including:
-
- Grades and GPA
- Class schedules
- Attendance
- Academic standing
- Student account and billing information
- Financial aid details
Federal law requires colleges to protect student privacy.
This means Midland College cannot share education records with parents unless:
-
- The student provides written consent, or
- A specific legal exception applies
Your student can complete a FERPA Consent to Release Information form via their MC portal or by emailing the Registrar's Office for more information. This allows the College to share specific information with you.
Your student decides:
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- What information can be shared
- Who it can be shared with
They may update or revoke this permission at any time.
Yes, but they are limited.
Midland College may share information with parents in certain situations, including:
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- In a health or safety emergency
- Certain disciplinary situations involving students under age 21
All exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
FERPA is not meant to prevent family involvement. Instead, it gives students control over their education records.
We encourage families to:
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- Maintain open communication
- Discuss academic progress regularly
- Work together to complete a FERPA release if needed
For detailed federal guidance, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA Parent Guide
Parent FAQ
Have questions about dual credit? This section covers some of the most common topics parents and families ask about throughout the dual credit experience.
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Not without your student’s written permission, unless a FERPA exception applies.
No. Once a student enrolls at Midland College, FERPA rights belong to the student, regardless of age.
You are always welcome to call, but staff will not be able to share specific information without your student’s consent.
You may contact a professor, but they generally cannot discuss your student’s performance without written consent from the student.
Your student must complete a FERPA Consent to Release Information form and list you as an authorized individual.
Not automatically. Payment does not grant access under FERPA.
High schools may have access to certain information for Dual Credit purposes, but this is handled through institutional agreements, not parent access.
Yes. In a health or safety emergency, the College may share information as needed.
Yes. Students can update or revoke their FERPA authorization at any time.
Not automatically. We encourage you to stay in regular communication with your student.
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Thank you for choosing Midland College! If you are here to collect a few credits, take courses to transfer, or here to start a new career, we welcome you.