UNIVERSITY PARK — Many parents have been involved in their child’s education prior to college. That involvement doesn’t have to end when that child starts his or her career at Penn State’s University Park Campus. Penn State’s Parents Program is developing several opportunities for parents of University Park students.
“We know that many parents of our students have been involved in their students’ education from daycare through high school," said Parents Program Director Jennifer Mallen. "For those who are interested, we want to provide volunteer opportunities at the college level.”
“There is a purpose for these volunteer opportunities," she added. "We’re creating meaningful opportunities for involvement in ways that add significant value to the University.”
The Parents Society is an organization committed to strengthening the partnership between the University and supporting family members. All parents and family members of Penn State University Park undergraduates are automatically members of the Penn State Parents Society. There is no cost to be a member.
Within the Parents Society is the Penn State Parents Council, which meets twice annually and offers input regarding parental engagement to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education, and the Parents Program Director by communicating issues of central importance to supporting family members.
The Parents Program is currently accepting applications for membership to the council, and for two related committees — the Parent Ambassadors Committee and Parents Fundraising Committee.
The deadline for all applications is November 30.
The Parent Ambassadors Committee provides support for the outreach efforts of the Parents Program. Members serve as parent representatives at a number of University events for prospective, new and continuing parents and family members throughout the year — including Parents & Families Weekend.
The committee’s overarching goal is to enhance communication between parents and Penn State University Park.
“This is meant to be comprised of parents who would want to enhance communication between parents and Penn State,” Mallen said. “They would be volunteering to help with various events at University Park or, when needed, in their geographic locations.”
The Parents Fundraising Committee provides volunteer support for the philanthropic activity of the Division of Student Affairs. Members assist in engaging and educating parents with the university and the philanthropic opportunities available at Penn State.
The PFC is committed to developing a vibrant and successful program of parent giving and provides advice, assistance and feedback to the Division of Student Affairs regarding fundraising efforts.
"The Parents Fundraising Committee seeks volunteers who are personally committed to supporting Penn State philanthropically and are willing to reach out and engage other parents in conversations about the importance of parent giving," said Kimberly Field, Director of Development, Student Affairs.
For more information about the volunteer opportunities or to access the application materials, please visit http://www.parents.psu.edu/involvement.shtml online.