Department of Educational Administration
Date of this Version
5-2011
Abstract
This study explored the Parent and Family Relations Office in a higher education setting. Two institutions were studied. One institution, Colorado State University, had an operating Parent and Family Relations Office, and the second institution, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, did not have such an office on campus. Interviews were completed with the staff at Colorado State University to determine the history of the office on campus, programs and services provided to parents and family members, anecdotal stories of times they had assisted students and their families, and advice to institutions who may want to implement a Parent and Family Relations Office on their campus. A survey was sent to parents and families of University of Nebraska-Lincoln students to determine how often parents expect to receive information from the university, how they would like to receive that information, positive interactions they have had with university staff and faculty, frustrating experiences they have had with university staff and faculty, and if they would utilize a Parent and Family Relations Office if made available. Major recommendations include: (a) examining all programs and services that directly involve parents and family members, (b) designating one person on campus as a liaison between parents and the university, and (c) providing training for faculty and staff members about the needs and concerns of parents and family members.
Advisor: Barbara Y. LaCost
Comments
A THESIS Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts, Major: Educational Administration, Under the Supervision of Professor Barbara Y. LaCost. Lincoln, Nebraska: May 2011
Copyright 2011 Amanda Ronen