It’s often hard for parents to send their children off to college in a different city - let alone a different state - but
UC Mercedhas found a way to keep parents near and far connected to the campus and to their children.
By joining the UC Merced Parent and Family Association, families can network, communicate and connect with each other while supporting the institution to which they have entrusted their children’s education.
These parents have the ability to lay the foundation for the future and make something special, said alumni coordinator
Stefani Martinez, who helps run the association.
Martinez said that in its second year, the organization boasts between 30 to 40 active members who perform outreach, help organize
Family Weekendand move-in day, and plan special projects.
The association hosts its big meeting and officer elections during UC Merced’s annual Family Weekend, taking place this year on
Oct. 20 and 21. The association will meet from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Oct. 20 in the Kolligian Library’s Room 155.
UC Merced keeps association members in the know through periodic e-mails, newsletters and gatherings, but Martinez emphasizes the association is not limited to Merced-area parents.
A parent living in San Francisco or L.A. can take advantage of this, Martinez said of the association’s networking benefits. They can e-mail and ask, My son is looking for a ride back home for the weekend; is anyone coming this way?’
Martinez said the parent association was the idea of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jane Lawrence, who wanted to establish a community where parents stay can stay connected to UC Merced far beyond dropping their children off at the door.
Parents can be as involved as they want to be, but Martinez said association members are committed to growing its membership base.
One of the organization’s proudest missions, according to Martinez, is recruiting prospective UC Merced students and their families by telling them about the opportunities offered at the university.
The parents are so excited, she said. Like their children, they have that pioneering spirit and are excited to build up this group for themselves.
