SPARC Grant Report May 2012 Parent & Family Program

Overview Office of Parent Services formed August, 2011 — Diana Anderson, Director Team established for development of a Parent Program to include parent newsletter and website Collaborators from Student Affairs, Marketing, IT Services, Academic Affairs SPARC Grant approves funding for the initiative, August, 2011

Focus Engage parents in their student’s success Develop volunteer opportunities and create traditions Cultivate new donors Support recruitment and retention efforts

Key Successes & Activities Creative tool box Monthly parent newsletter since October 2011 Website Data Collection: Sign up / parent recruitment at Navigate, Move-In Day Postcards designed, ready to print Phone and connection via Office of Parent Services

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Lessons Learned 500 parents signed up for newsletter, mostly parents of first-year students – Expanding our area of influence, as most are from outside Chatham County Office of Parent Services connects parents with questions to a real person

Future Activities Short Term Postcard mailing to 7,000 existing parents Recruiting parents at fairs and Armstrong receptions across the state Sign up and activities at Move-In Day & Navigate Longer term Parent gear at bookstore Alumni/parent sendoffs for new students Reception & activities during Celebrate week

Budget Printing 10,000 postcards to mail $ 400 Postal processing & Postage 2,000 Additional 5,000 postcards & sign up sheets for recruiting 330 Decals 800 Website creative writing 800 Other giveaways 600 Total $4,930