As parents we start advocating for our children from their birth. We interact with their teachers, volunteer at their schools and help with their homework. When they are at college things seem to change.
How can parents keep advocating for their children in college? As a university we want to partner with parents and as an administrator I appreciate it when parents advocate for their children. Over the years I have encountered both good and ineffective forms of parent advocacy. I have a few suggestions that will increase your effectiveness as an advocate for your student:
1. Speak with your child. This may seem obvious, but it is surprising how many concerns raised by parents are not shared by their children. Some good questions to ask your child are: Did you know the policies and follow the proper procedures? Did you talk to the person responsible for the area of your concern? Encourage your son or daughter to contact campus administrators or faculty themselves. If they need help getting started, they can call the Student Life Office (ext. 2310) for assistance.
2. Search the George Fox website (www.georgefox.edu). Using the A-Z links on the website will assist you in finding the homepage for the appropriate department. In addition, the online student handbook (studenthandbook.georgefox.edu) will clarify many of the policies which impact your students.
3. If you have concerns, identify what you would like to have done or what action you desire. Often these are concerns that can be rectified. However, sometimes we can't meet your request for various reasons.
4. If you have done your research and your questions are still not answered, feel free to call the university. There are some things we cannot do because of federal law or university policy. Yet there is much that we can do.
Often parents are the first to hear their student's concerns about their lives at the university. Student Life staff are always available to address concerns but many students are hesitant to articulate them. The university desires to partner with parents. We value your observations and seek to make this the best experience your students could have. If you have questions or concerns feel free to contact me at djohnstone@georgefox.edu.
Thank-you for partnering with the university to meet your student's needs.
David M. Johnstone
Associate Dean of Student
This page was last updated 3-28-2008 20:37:42.
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