Training Program

Family Engagement and Communication

Callie Rafferty UNV-595: Higher Education Student Affairs Capstone Dr. Avella July 17, 2024

Types of Family Services and Programming

• Open House and Information Sessions: Giving information and guiding families through the college journey
• Parent Portal and Family Website: Allow easy access for parents ot utilize university resources and information available
• Orientation Programs: Introducing families to campus resources and policies
• Family Weekends/Events: Opportunities for families to engage with campus life

Strategic Value

• Retention and Success: Impact on student retention and success metrics
• Recruitment Tool: Influence on prospective students and families
• Community Building: Strengthening ties between institution and families

Challenges in Communicating with Parents

Ethical Considerations

Cultural & Familial Differences

Privacy Laws and Regulations

Boundaries and Expectations

FERPA Compliance: Understanding and adhering to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations Limits on Information: Restrictions on disclosing academic, personal, or health-related details without student consent (Protecting Student Provacy, n.d.)

Confidentiality: Ensuring confidentiality in all communications involving student information Inclusivity: Respecting diverse family structures and dynamics in communication practices

Autonomy vs. Support: Balancing the need for student independence with parental involvement Student Independence: Encouraging self-advocacy and decision-making skills in students

Diverse Perspectives: Recognizing varying expectations regarding parental involvement in different cultures Communication Styles: Bridging gaps in communication preferences between parents, students, and staff (Bartoszuk et.al., 2021).

Online Engagement Opportunities

Consistent Communication Channels

• Newsletters and Updates: Provide regular updates on campus events and student achievements
• Digital Platforms: Utilize websites, social media, and apps for real-time information sharing

Feedback and Surveys

• Feedback Mechanisms: Gather insights to enhance services and support
• Survey Campaigns: Assess parent satisfaction and identify areas for improvement

Campus Engagement Opportunities

Parent Involvement in Campus Life

• Volunteer Opportunities: Engage parents in campus events and initiatives
• Advisory Committees: Establish groups to gather feedback and suggestions

Educational Workshops and Webinars

• Parent Education Series: Offer sessions on navigating college life, academic support, and wellness resources
• Financial Aid Information: Provide clarity on tuition, scholarships, and financial planning

Ethical and Legal Boundaries

1. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Safeguards students' educational records and information. Communicate limitations on sharing sensitive information without student consent. Regularly review practices to ensure alignment with legal requirements.
2. Confidentiality and Disclosure: Professional responsibility to maintain confidentiality in all student interactions. Handle personal, academic, and health-related details with care.
3. Respect for Autonomy: Uphold students' rights to make decisions regarding their education. Balance parental support with students' autonomy and preferences (Kloppenborg, 2019).
4. Informed Consent: Obtain consent before sharing non-directory information with parents or guardians. Clarify circumstances where consent is not required under FERPA.

Progress Monitoring

• Clear Performance Metrics: Define specific SMART goals aligned with job responsibilities for ongoing evaluation
• Regular Feedback and Reviews: Conduct periodic performance reviews to provide constructive feedback and assess growth
• Professional Development Opportunities: Offer continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs
• Adaptive Support Structures: Maintain flexibility in roles and responsibilities, adjusting based on feedback and evolving team dynamics.

Thank you!

References

Bartoszuk, K., Deal, J. E., & Yerhot, M. (2021). Parents’ and college students’ perceptions of support and family environment. Emerging Adulthood, 9(1), 76-87. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/2167696818823947

Kloppenborg, A. (2019). Effects of the balanced satisfaction of the need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence across education and family on well-being in students. Essay.utwente.nl. https://essay.utwente.nl/78277/

Protecting student privacy: a parent guide to the family educational rights and privacy act (FERPA). (n.d.). https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/parent-guide-family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act-ferpa