The time will come for almost every parent to see their children depart for college. The challenge comes for parents to support their children’s independent life but also remain connected.
Realizing this challenge, Rensselaer, under the Office of Student Life, has initiated the Parents of Rensselaer association, starting with the parents of the class of 2006. The program sponsors a news bulletin, Rensselaer Connection, which is published twice a year.
“Parents are our partners in creating an excellent student. Working together with them will help us to give all the support that they need, physically or emotionally,” explained Lisa Trahan, dean of Office of First Year Experience.
The membership of this association is open to every parent of an RPI student. As a member, each parent will be included on the Parents Listserv e-mail list, will receive special travel discounts, and will be invited to special events and programs. Through Rensselaer Connection, parents will be kept abreast with the latest information throughout the semester.
“This newsletter will highlight the myriad of student assistance and enrichment programs at Rensselaer. Thus, parents will be informed of all the on campus activities, groups, and organizations whose sole purpose is to help our students succeed in all their facets of their lives,” said President Jackson.
Parents of Rensselaer is led by a leadership body called the Parents Council which meets at least twice a year. This eight-member council is comprised of parents from each class and geographical region. It works closely with the Dean of Students Office.
“The goal of our council is to provide a forum that assists parents in providing suggestions and ideas regarding our students’ educational and social experiences during their careers at Rensselaer,” said Peter Miranda, chairperson of the Parents Council.
“Students may not know the perspectives of their parents or may not bring them forward to university administrators and staff. The council can be a communication vehicle for parents as one of the constituent groups of RPI,” said Mary Andritz.
“Hopefully, students will benefit from improvements that are identified or supported by the parent group,” continued Andritz.
Parents who are interested to participate in this program can sign up for either to be part of the Parents Listserv or as a volunteer for any of the activities planned or both. Currently, there are about 500 parents signed up as Parents of Rensselaer.
“I think it’s fine if parents want to get involved in their children’s school activities, as long as their actions don’t personally affect their children’s school performance or sense of independence from home,” said Melissa Andritz, 2005, daughter of Mary Andritz.
The next activity planned for Parents of Rensselaer is “Parents Weekend” which is scheduled for next October.
