Universities struggle with the extent to which parents should be involved in the college experience. While research suggests parents should back off, it also shows that students can be more successful with parental support. This session examines strategies allowing effective parental support, from a healthy distance.
This interactive presentation provides participants with a background in research on parental involvement in higher education. Participants will reflect on their current campus climate and parent interactions. Presenters address issues to consider in creating parent support opportunities, framing the discussion around the stakeholders: the student, the parent, and the institution. Participants will share their parent communication challenges and approaches, and their ideas for moving forward. Presenters will provide participants with potential resources that institutions can share with parents to eliminate mixed messages, help parents strike a balance between hovering and letting go, and contribute to student success.
