With all the recent talk of helicopter parents, I’ve picked up on some slight disdain from academia when it comes to parent involvement. Granted, there are some parents that would make any admissions representative pull their hair out. But I would like to think that there are so many more parents who view their role more as a coach in the process and would like to have colleges value their input. After all, when it comes right down to it, parents are generally the ones paying the bill for the student’s education.
During a recent #CampusChat on Twitter, Gil Rogers, Associate Director of Admissions and Enrollment Technology for the University of New Haven shed some light on how his college views the parent/college relationship:
We like to be a partner in a family’s college search, not just an option. We simply encourage parents to allow students to have their space and make the choice. Let the kid drive the car. We have, however, developed a number of communication tools with parents in mind. Charger Connection and the monthly eblasts that admissions sends are to prospective student’s parents. The monthly e-mail that goes to all parents we have e-mail addresses for is separate from the student’s with tips. Social Media (and any communication tool for that matter) is about building relationships.
That’s the view that parents like to hear: a partner in the family’s college search. With this view, both parent and student feel valuable; and this translates into the college providing a positive environment for making the right college choice.
University of New Haven has created an extremely helpful parent’s guide: Parents Guide to College and Financial Planning. They cover every topic that a parent needs to know about college choices and financial planning; also giving advice on how to help your student survive the first year of college. This guide communicates that partnership that Gil talked about and emanates through his social media persona.
I hope you will take a look at the University of New Haven and even view their parent’s guide. Here are the links to connect with them online:
Suzanne,
As you’ve mentioned, Gil did a fantastic job of expertly sharing information for parents and students during #CampusChat. I, too, was impressed by the extent to which the University of New Haven goes to engage students as well as their parents through both traditional and social media channels. One of my favorite tweets by Gil was this:
@unewhaven: We know we cant control the conversation anymore. We can only be active participants. #campuschat
It would seem they walk the talk at New Haven.
-Kelly
Kelly,
I love that comment as well. University of New Haven truly has their pulse on the new climate of social media and the fact that parents are playing a more active role in the college admissions process. It’s refreshing to see a college that embraces this and also values the parent/student dynamic.
university of new haven has developed a wonderful communication policy. it is proactive and highly responsive from the president down to the RA’s. they have embraced all forms of media to more effectively meet the needs of students and families.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback on our work. It’s great to have another partner in the efforts to help students find their match.
Gil,
My pleasure. It’s always nice to find a college that appreciates the investment that a family makes and works to build relationships with parents and students.