THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA Office of Parent Programs

What is Parent Programs? The Office of Parent Programs works to supports students and parents through the college transition period. The way we see it, parents are partners in their student’s success at the University of Alabama. It is our job to assist you in this crucial role by providing you the resources necessary for ultimate academic success.

Parent Partnership Our office is here to support you, whether you need to know about parking policies, or you want to learn how to facilitate conversations with your student. Utilize our programs and resources for a smooth transition to the Capstone! There is growing research that states that parent involvement enhances student success. Students with involved parents have proven to make better grades, be more involved socially and persist. 57% of students are satisfied with their current level of parental involvement, while 28% actually wanted their parents to be more involved. The average student communicates to their parent(s) 13.4 times a week.

Office Sponsored Programs Signature Programs: o Family Weekend o Parent Orientation o A-(family) DAY o Honors Day Reception

Family Weekend Family Weekend is one of our main events during the year. Parents come from all over to visit their students and experience UA Gameday, in addition to many other events. Important info: Family Weekend 2012 is September Registration goes live June 4 Cost per package is $45; a la carte tickets Parents have the opportunity to purchase football tickets, while available For more information visit, parents.ua.edu

Parent Orientation & Parent Ambassadors Use this time to get a glimpse of life at the Capstone, learn how to support your student while they are pursuing their degree and find ways you can stay involved. The Parent Ambassador team supports parents during their student’s transition to The Capstone. The Parent Ambassadors lead parents and family members through Parent Orientation as well as assist other programs hosted by the Division of Student Affairs.

Parent Orientation & Parent Ambassadors Take time to ask questions and talk with our Parent Ambassadors, they are here to help you!

Parent Advisory Council Parent Advisory Council members assist with University events, offer feedback and serve as a support group to other Parents. Meets two times a year Provides a support group for parents of UA Students Attends and assists with events such as Parent Orientation, Family Weekend, Move-In Day, and Honors Day Stays up-to-date with UA resources and services in order to provide assistance to students and their families

Parents Fund Help our office continue to offer the programs and services we do! Currently, the Office of Parent Programs provides resources and hosts events for parents such as: PENPALS (Parent Notification) Family Weekend A(family)-Day Parent Orientation In addition, the Office of Parent Programs maximizes the student experience by sponsoring the following programs and resources to UA students: Scholarships Community Service Initiatives Student 2 Student Assistance Financial Management Seminars

Communication We work throughout the year to stay in touch with you and keep you informed about what is going on at UA. Parent Helpline is a toll free phone line connecting parents directly to UA. E-Newsletters are published each month. Register with PENPALS to receive these newsletters in addition to other office updates. Crimson Connections is a newsletter mailed three times each year. Connect with us on social media: facebook.com/bamaparents & twitter.com/bamaparents

Resources You're on Your Own (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years, Marjorie Savage. Parents’ Guide to College Life: 181 Straight Answers on Everything You can Expect Over the Next Four Years, Robins Raskin. Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years, Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller. Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years, Karen Levin Cobum and Madge Lawrence Treger.

First Year Experience: Your UA Student First Year Experience provides programs and resources that support the academic and social transition of first-year students. Freshman Forum Ignite UA Peer Leaders Out to Lunch Program Individual Transition Meetings Summer Transition Program Transfer Initiatives A-Book Communication

First Year Experience: Critical Competencies for the First Year Academic Competence Interpersonal Relationships Explore Identity Development Deciding on a Career Maintain Health Wellness Faith/Spirituality Multicultural Awareness Developing Civic Responsibility L. Upcraft, J. Gardner, & B. Barefoot (2005). Challenging and Supporting the First-Year Student : A Handbook for Improving the First Year of College; San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

First Steps to Staying Involved: When you get home, make sure to: oSign-up for PENPALS (Parent notification) oBecome familiar with UA’s parent talking points oRegister for Family Weekend 2012 (September 21-23) oMake a donation to the Parents Fund oRefresh your knowledge by reviewing the orientation presentations oOrder a care package for your student Visit parents.ua.edu frequently to stay up to date and informed!

First Steps to Staying Involved: ALSO: oPlan to attend the Parent & Family Reception during Week of Welcome (wow.ua.edu) oComplete AlcoholEdu for parents (alcoholedu.ua.edu) REMIND YOUR STUDENT TO: oRegister for a Parking Permit oPay their Bill oConfirm their Schedule oComplete AlcoholEdu oRead the A Book Visit parents.ua.edu frequently to stay up to date and informed!

First Year Experience and Parent Programs 132 Mary Burke East 920 Hackberry Road parents.ua.edu fye.ua.edu