Web site keeps parents in the University loop

The University recently launched a Web site for parents of undergraduates, called M-Parent, which was designed in direct response to parents' requests for help in navigating U-M's complex organizational structure, says Lester Monts, senior vice provost for academic affairs.

The Web site features important dates, academic and financial information, frequently asked questions, and more.

The site grew out of the efforts of the Parent and Family Communications Standing Committee, which Monts sponsored.

"I convened the Standing Committee in response to recent increases in parental involvement in their college students' lives," he says. "The members agreed there was a strong need to strengthen and enhance our ability to communicate with parents more effectively."

The cross-campus group includes representatives of several offices that serve undergraduate students, including the Office of New Student Programs (ONSP), Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Office of Financial Aid, LSA, College of Engineering, Division of Student Affairs, Vice President for Communications and the Alumni Association. The committee also includes the parents of two current undergraduates.

"This was a truly collaborative effort in that these offices from all over campus joined together to better serve a very important constituency," says Ann Hower, director of ONSP and chair of the Standing Committee.

The Web site will be maintained by ONSP, which currently organizes other programs for parents, including Parent Orientation and Parents Weekend, and also designs the Parent Handbook.

In order to learn what information parents wanted to receive from the university, the Standing Committee conducted a Web-based survey and received an overwhelmingly positive response from more than 1,400 parents. Monts says the initiative was mounted by the realignment of current resources and with minimal use of new resources.

To visit M-Parent, go to http://www.umich.edu/parents/main/index.html.

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