STUINFO isn't just for students.
Since the launch of guest authorization to the student information online system, about 1,200 guests have logged on to view students' financial aid and billing information. STUINFO can be viewed at stuinfo.msu.edu.
"We started hearing from parents that the students were not sharing the information to the extent that they needed," said Rick Shipman, director of the Office of Financial Aid. "The families are much more directly in the loop."
Because parents and legal guardians have to submit their income information for a student to receive financial aid, it is legal for them to view that information online. Linda Stanford, assistant provost for academic services and university registrar, said grades and other student information cannot be accessed because it is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
"(My mom) is always asking me questions, so I'm like, 'Here, now you can get it for yourself,'" human biology senior Robin Pregitzer said. She signed her mom on as a guest Sunday.
Although online billing was introduced in time for the summer session, a growing number of incoming freshman are also signing their parents up at orientation. This is so when tuition bills roll around for the first time in the fall, parents know when to fork over the cash.
Because MSU has about 44,900 student accounts, online billing was slow to get its feet off the ground, he said. So far, more than 1,600 students have switched to online billing, said Laurie Schlenke, manager of student accounts in the Controller's Office.
The online version of the tuition bill looks the same as the paper version, but a student or guest will receive an e-mail alerting them the statement is ready, she said.
Many times because students live out of state or have divorced parents, the tuition bill has to get to more than just the student, she said.
"Mom wants a copy and dad wants a copy at his house," Schlenke said. "Now a student can sign on both mom and dad. You don't have to worry."
Although university officials said they're waiting to see how guest authorization works before they expand access to other student information, some students said they would rather keep their information to themselves.
"If you get a bad grade you can lie to your parents," communication senior Riley Turcott said jokingly. "Every student has a couple classes they have a hard time in."
To make recommendations regarding STUINFO e-mail reg@msu.edu.