NROTC Policies
The following policies apply to the students of the NROTC program, as well as staff interaction with both the NROTC students and parents. Additional policies regarding changes in student status will be discussed in the Change of Status section of this handbook on page 9.
Student Right to Privacy & the Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA)
Your student is entitled to privacy with respect to his/her grades, records, and private life. Students participating in the NROTC program sign three privacy act statements upon enrolling in the program:
- Medical Statement – for use in medical and dental records
- Privacy Act Statement – for use in enlistment records
- Academic Statement – allows universities to disclose grades to the NROTC programs
Students are required to sign both the Medical and Academic Privacy Act Statements. Students voluntarily sign the third statement which allows the NROTC program to disclose information to a third party.
FERPA was enacted to protect your student’s right to privacy. Therefore, under most circumstances, before the NROTC program can discuss your student’s status with you, your student must give the speaker permission. As a result, our advisors might recommend that you speak with your student if you do call to request any information.
Drug Policy and Urinalysis
The Department of the Navy has a zero tolerance policy with regard to drug use. The Commanding Officers of all NROTC units are authorized to conduct urinalysis for drug screening.
Upon enrollment in the program, all students will sign a statement concerning pre-service illicit drug use. Beginning their first semester, all students will voluntarily participate in a drug testing program. In the event that a student tests positive for drugs, a performance review board (PRB) will be immediately convened and the student will be recommended for disenrollment.
Interaction with advisors
One distinct benefit of the NROTC program is that your student will have a dedicated Student Advisor at the NROTC unit. All advisors are talented experienced naval officers who have been specifically selected to serve as NROTC Instructors. The advisors check degree plans, confirm that program requirements are being met, verify class schedules, and mentor your student on academic, professional and other matters as necessary.
In exchange, your student is required to complete the following:
- A minimum of two meetings with his/her advisor per semester
- Provide his/her advisor with an up-to-date class schedule
- Provide his/her advisor with a degree plan (once a major is declared) that is signed by the academic advisor
- Keep advisor aware of problems – academic or otherwise – that are affecting the student’s work, studying or summer cruise
- Inform his/her advisor prior to dropping any class
The advisors’ doors are always open to students; students can stop by or schedule appointments in person, by phone or by email.