Student affairs professionals and higher education faculty are continually tasked with educating not only students, but also their parents and family members. Common challenges include educating families about such areas as the institutional environment, legal issues, and orientation. This process may require heightened sensitivity to parents of first-year students, underrepresented students, and first generation students. It also varies based on institutional type and size.

This Webcast examines complexities and solutions student affairs and higher education professionals face in partnering with parents and family members of students in today's academy including:

• Exploring how colleges and universities are working with parents and families through innovative practices in orientation programs and parent and family services offices;
• Creating a culture of positive interaction with parents and families across all areas of the institution, including problem-solving strategies and development of proactive institutional philosophies;
• Providing effective communication channels and involvement opportunities for parents and families through electronic communication, parent associations and councils;
• Assessing parent and family needs respective to the institution and generational cohort;
• Helping parents and families understand and assist with transition and developmental issues for their students (and themselves); and Expanding the intersections of friend-raising and fund-raising with parents and families.

Presenters

Dr. Richard Mullendore, Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator, College Student Affairs Administration, University of Georgia

Dr. Karla Carney, Dean of Students, Cornell College

NASPA, 2007