Publication - Video/Online Module – Helpful Hints for Families and Students - Purdue University
Powerful Partnership Award
University of South Carolina – Talking Points: A Parent Guide to Discussing Responsible Decisions
(a partnership with University of South Carolina Academic Affairs)
University of Arkansas – Arkansas & YOU
Outstanding Parent & Family Programs New Professional
Kasey Harvill – Assistant Director of New Student & Family Programs at Emory University
Outstanding Parent & Family Programs Professional
Amy Swank – Director of Parent & Family Programs at Gonzaga University
Outstanding Contribution to Research and/or Literature
Adrienne Gallien, PhD Candidate - Capella University; Instructor - San Jacinto College
2016 AHEPPP Award applications will be available this summer. Be sure to visit aheppp.org for updates.
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2016 AHEPPP National Conference - Elevating Engagement with Parents & Families
November 14- 16, 2016 - Boulder, Colorado
AHEPPP returns to its roots in Boulder for AHEPPP ’16. AHEPPP is celebrating our accomplishments and connections, showcasing parent and family programs, and sharing powerful information. Registration opens next month! Make plans to arrive in Boulder ready to meet the founders, connect with peers and be inspired about the future of parent and family programs. We look forward to seeing you in November as we focus on Elevating Engagement with Parents & Families! #AHEPPP16
Future AHEPPP Conference Location Revealed
2017 - Dallas, Texas
Mark your calendars for November 13-15, 2017, when AHEPPP takes on Dallas! Conference accommodations have been made at the historic and newly renovated Adolphus Hotel.
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2016 Conference Committee
Congratulations to the 2016 Conference Committee appointees. The AHEPPP National Conference is planned for members, by members. We are delighted to announce the 2016 Conference Planning Committee. Thank you for your commitment to AHEPPP and Parent/Family Programs!
Conference Chair: Ryan Lovell, The Ohio State University
Assessment: Chelsea Petree, Rochester Institute of Technology
Awards Selection: Leigh Ann Marshall, Baylor University
Hospitality: Lindsey Bray, University of Memphis; Paige Kegley, Clemson University
Marketing/Social Media Co-Chairs: Priscilla Childress, Missouri State University; Ahmet Aksoy, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Programming Co-Chairs: Alexandra Price, University of California Los Angeles; Aimee Frierson, Louisiana State University
Pre Conference Co-Chairs: Kerri Fowler, North Carolina State University; Arie Gee, University of Florida
Strategic Partnerships: Heather Levesque, East Tennessee State University
Volunteer/Recognition: Kristen Brill, University at Buffalo
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Membership Spotlight
AHEPPP has a geographically diverse membership of more than 160 institutional members. In each newsletter one or two members or a board member will be featured. This month get to know Jackie MacKay of Providence College.
Jackie MacKay, Director of the Parent Program
AHEPPP BOD Member
Hometown: Smithfield, Rhode Island
Hobbies:
Traveling, reading mystery books, working out on my treadmill
Current Institution: Providence College
Q: What programming are you implementing in the upcoming year or what initiative have you implemented that you’re most proud of?
A: I am proud of a lot of the family/parent programs I have implemented over the last eight years. The one that I am most proud of and excited about is the collaborative project with our Foreign Language department. I worked with a Spanish professor and students in her Advanced Composition class who received academic credit to translate many of our parent publications into Spanish. It was a richly academic assignment that helped students in their translation skills, and inspired them to think about clarity of information and the parent and student audience. The students were very enthusiastic and felt that they were doing something for their peers.
Q: What do you love about the field of parent/family relations?
A: I love the opportunity to meet with parents—both formally and informally. I especially like working with first year parents and share in their journey as they and their students continue to address challenges.
Q: What has surprised you most about working with parents and family members?
A: I think what I find most surprising is that, for the most part, parents are so grateful for everything you do. It doesn’t have to always be a program or weekend event that they appreciate. Sometimes it’s just the small stuff that makes a big difference—like responding to an e-mail from a parent in a timely manner or just allowing them to vent their disappointment about something without having to be on the defensive.
Q: What advice do you have for new professionals in this field?
A: First of all, know that it is a real privilege to be working with parents and families. Many of them share their stores with us, that they often have not shared with anyone else before. Building that trust is imperative. Second, I hope new professionals will make a commitment to research and evaluation in the field of parent/family relations. Research and publications give credibility to our profession and will also enhance their own professional development. Third—have fun. Enjoy what you do and relish those special moments as you engage with parents and families.
Q: What do you find most challenging about working with parents and families of students?
A: I think it is important that we make every effort that parents receive timely and consistent information. That is why I believe that campus-wide collaborative efforts are so important. Making sure that we are all on the” same page” in regard to the kinds of information we provide parents is so important. We certainly want to do all we can to prevent parents from receiving “mixed-messages."
Q: What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about current parents and families of college students
A: Certainly over-involvement of parents in their students’ lives can be problematic. However, most parents are simply trying to do what they think is best for their student. This motivates me to find ways to help parents to be engaged with students and the college in a way that promotes student growth and autonomy. I believe that the more parents are informed about the College and the college experience the better able they will be to assist students to identify and make use of campus resources. I view this as a major role for parents.
Q: What changes do you think we will see in the field of parent/family relations in the next 5 years?
A: Of course, social media will continue to impact how we communicate with parents and how parents and students communicate with one another. Certainly we need to be more mindful of needs of special populations: first generation and international families and how to address those needs—beyond orientation. Finally, increased research and assessment will show a stronger link between parent/family engagement and student retention.
Q: What do you love most about being a part of AHEPPP?
A: My involvement with AHEPPP has significantly enhanced my work as a professional in the field of family/college relations. Personally, it has allowed me to connect with a wonderful group of peers who give so much of themselves in everything they do. I am most grateful for this involvement.
Maximize Your Membership
AHEPPP is pleased to offer three types of membership: Institutional Memberships for campus based professionals, Student Memberships for graduate students who attend non-member institutions, Associate Memberships for vendors, consultants, and other professionals.
Institutional Memberships begin on the date of registration and are valid for one-year. Memberships include up to three professionals per college or university, which means when you register yourself you can add two more professionals on your campus for free!
If you aren't currently maximizing your membership, please contact Lindsay at [email protected] to add your colleagues. It's important to note that membership in AHEPPP is open to any professional who works with families in any capacity, not limited to a Parent/Family office. Many campuses choose to add senior leadership, development professionals, or other student affairs and higher education professionals.
2016 Rates
$275 Institutional Membership (up to three professionals)
$100 Each Additional Professional
$100 Graduate Student Rate (when campus is not a member)
$350 Associate Memberships
AHEPPP Listserv
The AHEPPP listserv is an easy and effective way to connect with parent/family programing colleagues. Be sure to add [email protected] to your preferred contacts to stay up to date on ideas and inquiries from other AHEPPP members. The use of this listserv is restricted to current members only. Unsure if you've subscribed? Contact the AHEPPP Coordinator at [email protected] to make sure you are signed up.
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Membership Campaign - #connectacolleague
Since its inception in 2008, AHEPPP has experienced significant growth. What began as a meeting of professionals from just nine colleges and universities has grown now to include more than 160 institutions. As the field of parent/family programs develops and changes, so does AHEPPP. We are preparing to embark on our first membership drive and hope that you will consider encouraging your colleagues at peer institutions to join our network of dedicated professionals. Please send your referrals to the AHEPPP Coordinator, [email protected].