Parent and Family Programs
Strategic Plan
Mission Statement | Departmental Highlights | Departmental Challenges | Departmental Goals
MISSION STATEMENT
The Office of Parent and Family Programs serves as a resource for parents by providing information and communications which support student success and student retention, encourage an appropriate role for parents within the University community, and that generate a long term relationship between families and the University community. In doing so, parents understand the student experience, embrace efforts that support student learning, and that empower students to take responsibility for the choices they make both in and out of the classroom.
2010-11 DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Parent and Family Programs participated in another very successful AARO with Parent Panels spotlighting campus resources including the LEC, CAPS, the Chaplain's Office, and the Health Center. During two-days of Move-In, the Mothers' and Dads' Clubs "warmly welcomed" new students and their families at three Thirst Aid Stations and two "rolling" stations dispensing cold drinks, maps to area restaurants and stores, and friendly advice from experienced parents. Mustang Corral check-in was followed by Mustang Cookout, this year held in two locations, the Umphrey Lee Cafeteria and the lower level of Hughes-Trigg. Family Weekend 2010 featured a fun-filled luncheon highlighting the music of the 50's while the Game Day barbecue spotlighted the decade of the 60's with a memorable Beatles cover band and psychedelic decorations including peace signs and smiley faces. Outreach and support to minority parents at individual events during Family Weekend was also initiated. The Mothers' and Dads' Clubs successful gift campaign supported new initiatives in the Chaplain's Office, t-shirts for Mustang Corral, the President's Leadership Summit for first year students, a video aimed at orienting families of first generation and other high risk students, and the Caswell Leadership Endowment. Departmental publications and communications (Handbook, Calendar, website, etc.) continue to reach out to parents and one-on-one phone calls and email communications provide advice and support to parents/families regarding their students both in and out of the classroom. This office continues to be at the forefront of campus departments reaching out to Hispanic students and their families with Spanish translated publications. Efforts to diversify the Mothers' and Dads' Boards continue to be successful, and the Latin@ Parent Network is celebrating it's first year of operation. Presentations at national conventions included workshops at both NASPA and AHEPPP. In addition, during the 2010-2011 school year, there were significant positive steps toward building supportive relationships with SMU's undergraduate veterans, including three outreach efforts that lead to these students meeting important campus resources, building important networking opportunities with fellow students, and to beginning conversations about starting a student organization for military veterans.
DEPARTMENTAL CHALLENGES
- Communicating with parents and families when email addresses are changed so often.
- Syncing SMU's Development data base of parent information with Mothers' and Dads' Club membership information.
- Outreach to first generation families during AARO when they are very hesitant to self identify.
- Helping parents and families realize the importance of having tough conversations with their students before they come to college.
DEPARTMENTAL GOALS
Student Success
Parent and Family Programs: (Ongoing with each new class of first year students)
- Work with parents/families to help them understand the student experience, to support student learning both in and out of the classroom, and to empower students to take personal responsibility for their social and academic choices. In addition, serve as liaison with the SMU Mothers' and Dads' Clubs in programs and activities that support student success and enhance the campus experience for both students and their families.
- Parent and Family Programs: Expand outreach efforts to the parents and families of first generation and other high-risk students as well as the parents and families of SMU's minority population.
Veteran Students:
- Provide support and services to SMU's undergraduate military veterans, reservists and active-duty military as they make the transition from active duty military to college life.
Student Learning
Parent and Family Programs: (Ongoing with each new class of first year students)
- Work with parents/families to understand the importance of students examining their personal values and learning about the beliefs and values of others and to understand the long-term benefits for students who seek out new experiences for both their personal and professional growth. Educate parents about support services available to students on campus and when to "step in" to help if necessary.
- Support and assist the new student organization of military veterans with the creation of their group, the ongoing organization and application toward Chartered Organization status, and their maturation as a unique leadership and developmental opportunity for this special population.
Veteran Students:
- Provide support and services to SMU's undergraduate military veterans, reservists and active-duty military as they make the transition from active duty military to college life.
Exemplary Division of Student Affairs
Parent and Family Programs:
- Represent the Division of Student Affairs in welcoming parents/families to the University and serve as a resource for parents and families when questions or problems arise regarding their student's life both in and out of the classroom. Enhanced tracking of parent calls and emails will enable departments within the University to be more aware and, in turn, increasingly responsive to parental concerns and issues.
Veteran Students:
- Serve as a liaison with other offices and departments on campus to ease the transition for student veterans coming to campus - making SMU known as a campus that is at all times veteran friendly!