My oldest went to an SEC school where they had a "parent's session" and events for orientation, and being 1st time college parents (my poor oldest child), we signed up for everything and attended ALL the events designed for us. After the first day, we realized that all of the events were really designed to get us out of their hair so that they could get the kids the information and direction they needed.
So, when second kid rolled around, we definitely did NOT go. The forced meetings are a waste of time, and who really wants to go to a Bar-b-que with hundreds of strangers and yucky, cold food?
As for grades and such, I don't know anything more than what I'm told, and I'm happy with that! So far, so good, they've done great, but I'd probably be a nervous wreck if they gave me daily reports or over involved me with the process.
Curving is a beautiful thing!!!