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Parent & Families Weekend provides an inside look at Penn State

By Andy Elder, Student Affairs Writer

There was once a time when a family's involvement in their son or daughter's college of choice consisted of little more than transporting their student to campus and helping them carry their belongings into their dorm room.

After that, what little families learned about the university came from their son or daughter's periodic letters or phone calls.

The times they are a changing.

"Today's parents are much more engaged in their students' education," said Sue Powell, Director of Student Affairs Development and Parents Program.

Having recognized that trend, the Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with Student Affairs, is gearing up for Parents & Families Weekend 2005, scheduled for September 23-25. The goal of Parents & Families Weekend is to open Penn State to these VIP guests, and provide the opportunity to learn about the University while still allowing the freedom to choose how to spend the weekend.

For Student Affairs, the keystone of the weekend is a presentation titled Penn State: Beyond the Books. Parents are encouraged to join Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey and her senior staff for an informal discussion about the quality of the learning experience outside the classroom.

"From a Student Affairs perspective, it's a great opportunity for Vice President Triponey and her senior staff to have very candid dialogue with parents about issues that concern them most," Powell said.

"There's a real human element to it. It's like a town hall meeting. Parents can ask questions about career services, Vicky's involvement with fraternities and sororities, peer counseling, at-risk students and substance abuse and leadership programs. Student Affairs covers everything outside the classroom."

Most parents have heard of student affairs or have a cursory understanding of what student affairs does but, Powell said, "most parents do not fully understand the extraordinary work this unit does and how engaged it is with the undergraduate population."

Student Affairs is involved with other aspects of the Parents and Families Weekend such as University Health Services, Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs - Fall Choral Collage and LateNight Penn State, but Penn State: Beyond the Books is the centerpiece.

"It really sets the stage for parents," Powell said. "They love how honest and candid she is. Some really interesting dialogue is being created."

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