<p>I was wondering if any colleges provide a way to "meet" - at least electronically - the other parents at your school. Other then the obvious (i.e., here at CC) are there any networking opportunities for parents?</p>
<p>For instance, does that new-fangled Facebook thing my D talks about also have groups for parents, or is it just the teens who form "2013 class of BreakTheBank U" groups?</p>
<p>I’ll bet some do. I’ll bet that new-fangled Facebook thing would work, too, and there may even be a critical mass of parents at some colleges who have already formed semi-vibrant groups.</p>
<p>At my kids’ college, they periodically try to do things to involve parents (and get them to give money, ha!). At one in-person event, I struck up a conversation with my neighbor, glanced at his nametag (and he at mine), and we both realized that our children had been dating for several months but had broken up a couple weeks before. It was only mildly awkward. I still liked him.</p>
<p>The service academy my son attends has an electronic web ring for all the parents (actually more than one, official and unofficial). It is great for the parents of those just matriculating and continues for those after graduating. Answers many, many questions and concerns and a place to worry for those that are later placed in harms way.</p>
<p>We (parents) are also connected through the website to administrators on developments and updates. Again extremely helpful.</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>Same set up here. I was able to meet DS’s roommate’s parents are orientation but it was a lucky concidence that we were all at the same orientation. We exchanged email/cel phones/etc. and have been in touch sporadically over the years.
The school has a parent electronic message board that is great for parents of marticulating students. Someone in the parent association monitors it and helps answer questions.</p>
<p>Trinity U in San Antonio used to have a parents’ message board. Not sure if they still have it but when my son was looking into colleges a couple of years ago, I found that board and used to read the posts so I could get a better idea of what the place was really like, at least in the parents’ eyes. One of the administrators used to answer questions there, too – I think it may have been the Dean of Students. It really had a “helicopter parent” vibe, though, that sort of turned me off.</p>
<p>patsmom, I hear you. I am often on DS’s parent board telling the parents that I am SURE their 20 something year old can handle housing or academic dramas on their own.</p>
<p>I’ve seen some Facebook groups for parents of certain colleges. Carleton also has a parent listserv that can be pretty lively.</p>
<p>The parents group at D’s school sends quite a few mailings. Funny. They all seem to end with “Brother, can you spare a dime?” ;)</p>
<p>As to chance encounters while on campus or at local hang-outs? Those have been delightful. (Even met a CC’er who ID’ed me. :eek:)</p>
<p>My older son’s school has a Parents Listserve. It at times is very active and helpful. At other times it is quieter. Busy times seem to be those moments of transition; term beginning or ending, holidays, homecoming, commencement, new admits whose parents have logistical questions or concerns.</p>
<p>U Texas Parent’s Association has an online parent’s forum. There are, perhaps, five posts per year - and two are from me. It’s not used.</p>
<p>I talk to ag54 over on the University of Texas page here. :D</p>
<p>haha, curm. If any of us chanced upon you at Rhodes in the past few years, I have a fair guess that we would have picked you out!</p>
<p>OT: astrophysicsmom, I think you may be right. I don’t “blend”. ;)</p>
<p>Think about it- it is your child, not you, or his/her parents, attending the college. Some of us are lucky we got to find out the name of our child’s college roommates each time, much less meet any of them. Your child is an adult now, and should be allowed the privacy of separating him/herself from all parents. They do not need to fear that someone else’s parent is going to find out and pass along info about them. </p>
<p>That said, an anonymous parents’ group for general Q&A sounds fine. I know UW (Madison, Wis- not Wash) has a parents’ program at summer orientation where a lot of info was given and we talked with others. They also have a parents’ program which passes along news and tips on a regular basis. I know we all want more involvement with our child’s school than we get, but we do have to let go.</p>
<p>wis75, Parents Weekend on some campuses is a big deal. Performances, BBQ’s, sporting events. IMO it does not signal parental over-involvement. If that’s something a family wants to avoid I’d suggest they not take part, but I have been to all of D’s. I had a good time.</p>
<p>Nor do I think joining a <college> Parent’s organization , on-line or IRL, is over-the top although I have about as much interest in joining any club or organization as I do in having a pair of treble hooks inserted in my eyeballs.</college></p>