Parent & Family Communication

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), Providence College distributes two types of campus safety alert messages: Emergency Notifications (branded as FriarALERT) and Timely Warnings. These messages are distributed via the PC Emergency Alert System, which utilizes text, email, phone and campus-wide audible notifications.

Beyond Emergency Notifications and Timely Warnings, Safety Advisory messages are emailed messages sent to community members (students, faculty and staff) to provide situational awareness about incidents that may affect the college campus or nearby student housing areas that do not require an Emergency Notification or Timely Warning and are not mandated by the Clery Act.

More information about the PC Safety Alert Communications system is available on the Safety Alerts FAQ page.

All members of the Providence College community (students, faculty and staff) are automatically included in the PC Emergency Notification (FriarAlert) messaging system. For instruction on updating contact information, community members can visit the FriarAlert Information page.

The PC Safety Alert Communications System is for PC faculty, staff, and students only. It is used to ensure that safety communications are sent to those members of our campus community who may need to take immediate safety precautions. All Safety Alert communications from the past 60 days are posted and publicly available on the Public Safety Emergency Notification, Timely Warning & Safety Advisory page.

In accordance with Providence College’s Student Handbook and as permitted by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), parents or family members will be contacted by mail if their student is found in violation of its alcohol or other drug policies.

Health Center Visits

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects sensitive health information and gives patients certain rights over their health records. HIPAA regulations in college health centers protect students’ medical privacy, meaning that, without explicit consent from the student, colleges generally cannot share details about a student’s health or treatment with their families, regardless of the student’s age. Students do have an option to sign a HIPAA release – more information is available here.

Communicable Diseases

The Student Health Center follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) when communicating about communicable diseases. More information is available here.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) generally prohibits healthcare providers from sharing details about a student’s health or treatment with their families, regardless of the student’s age. However, the College has the discretion to contact parents/guardians in the case of a serious illness or injury, medical emergency, or life-threatening health concern. In the event of serious illness, accident or injury, the Student Health Center works with the Dean of Students Office to coordinate the College’s response to the incident, which includes notification of family. For more information, please see The Dean of Students Office Parental Notification Guidelines. More information about The Health Center’s Patient Privacy policies is available here.

If your student is experiencing a serious mental health issue or a serious threat to their wellbeing, the college can utilize various interventions based on the needs of the individual. Due to Rhode Island law, mental health providers on campus are not able to communicate about the clinical treatment of clients who are 18 years of age and older without the written permission of the client/student. This limitation also applies to confirming or denying whether a student has sought care with a college mental health provider. Mental health providers regularly invite students to sign appropriate documentation so that communication with parents/families can occur as appropriate. In instances when a student has not provided written permission to communicate with parents/families, but a provider determines that there is a significant threat to the student’s health and/or safety and that outreach to an emergency contact is necessary, parents/family members may be notified by college administrators.

E-Communications to all PC families are distributed mid-month via email by the Parent & Family Program during the fall and spring semesters. These timely messages serve as an important resource to keep families updated on campus programs, provide reminders for dates and deadlines, and share information on college activities that affect students and families.

E-Communications to new and first year families are distributed by the Parent & Family Program during the summer, prior to students arriving on campus and at strategic times during the first academic year. Information provided includes navigating the college experience, parent resources, and semester break parent/student expectations. In conjunction with the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and the Office of Residence Life, practical information regarding move-in procedures and orientation requirements are also included in separate communications to new families by theParent & Family Program.

The Parent/Family Blog is posted once a month on the Parent & Family Program website. It is a great way to become informed about events and activities, gain practical tips on supporting your student, and learn more about life at PC.

Invitations to events such as Homecoming and Commencement are sent directly to families to their home address or via email by the Office of College Events. Parents and families may also receive invitations to programs and events from offices including Alumni Relations/Institutional Advancement, and Student Activities.

The CARE Team is a campus-wide team of appointed staff responsible for identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns and/or disruptive behaviors by students who struggle academically, emotionally, or psychologically, or who present a risk to the health or safety of the college or its members. The CARE Team welcomes referrals from the community. More information about the CARE Team, including instructions on how to make a referral, is available here.