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Parent Advice and Involvement
Advice for Parents
A Resource for Parents of College Students
University of Minnesota Parent Program Director Marjorie Savage offers realistic advice for parents of college students in the revised and updated version of You're On Your Own (But I'm Here If You Need Me).
This one-of-a-kind-guide provides anecdotes and suggestions from experienced parents and college staffs all over the country. The book addresses issues such as why students complain about the food but still manage to gain fifteen pounds their first year, how to teach basic financial responsibility, and what to do when a child comes home with a nose ring. Learn strategies and tips for creating a loving, supportive partnership responsive to the needs of both parents and students.
It is available through the University Bookstores or phone 1-800-551-U of M.
Health and Safety Topics
Advice and information related to alcohol, relationships, sexuality, and sexual activity, and talking to your student about sensitive issues.
Read about Health and Safety >
Scouting Out a Roommate
Using Facebook to find a roommate seems like a quick and easy way to assess how much or little two people will get along, but it is important to remember not to jump to conclusions.
Read more about social networking and the search for a roommate >
Voices of Experience
On behalf of parents of students who will be starting at the University of Minnesota next fall, we asked parents of current students what advice they would give.
Read the Voices of Experience >
Every Parent Should...
Parents of current students were asked to complete the following statements as advice for parents who have new students:
Every parent should know...
Every parent should have...
Every parent should be...
Read Every Parent Should >
Vocabulary for Parents
How to understand the lingo of U of M students
A vocabulary list for parents, divided by subject area, that explains some common abbreviations, University terms, and slang.
See Vocabulary for parents >
Home for the Summer Suggestions for Parents of College Students
Parents greet the summer return of their college student with mixed feelings. It’s gratifying to see that your child is still part of the family, but you know your child has changed and you have to admit—you have changed too.
Read Summer Suggestions >
Desired Outcomes for Parent/Family Involvement
The University Parent Program, in collaboration with offices and departments throughout campus, works with parents to help them understand the student experience, support student learning, and empower students to take personal responsibility for their social and academic choices.
Learn more about the Parent Program >
Boomerang Families
It has become increasingly common for young adults to move back home with mom and dad after graduating from college.
Take a closer look at this so-called Boomerang phenomenon >
Parent Involvement Opportunities
Help Your Student Get Involved
The Parent Program is looking for driven individuals who want to help plan Parents Weekend 2013! This is a fun opportunity to gain experience that looks great on a resume as well as learn important skills. Visit Parent Weekend Committee for more information and application materials. Applications are due by April 12.
Parent-Student Service-Learning Opportunities
Travel with your student in 2014 as part of this unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Work with families in Antigua, Guatemala for one week of service learning.
Minnesota Parents Association
University of Minnesota parents support the University through membership in the Minnesota Parents Association, a joint collaboration with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
Find out more about the Minnesota Parents Association >
University Parent Fund
About the Parent Fund—The University Parent Fund was initiated in 2003 with a donation from a parent who was grateful for support provided to her by the Parent Office. The fund has been designated to support student development projects and communications initiatives of the University Parent Program. For example, we currently are seeking donations to establish an emergency fund for students who are in a crisis situation. Every year we have students who face a significant financial loss through such events as an apartment fire, crime, accident, or family problem. There are times when insurance or family members cannot provide assistance in these critical situations, and we would like to establish a fund to help students as they work to stay in school and resolve their situation.
The University Parent Fund is part of the University of Minnesota Foundation, which was established in 1962 by 21 alumni and friends. The Foundation advances the University's mission of teaching, research, and outreach to the community by raising and managing private dollars for scholarships, world-class faculty, leading-edge research, new facilities, and academic programs on all four campuses of the University of Minnesota.
Gifts to the University of Minnesota are fully deductible charitable contributions. Please donate to the University Parent Fund to support projects that will benefit you and your student.