How we Communicate with Families
By: Therese Thompson
The Gonzaga Parent & Family Office was founded in 2009 in response to the needs of our parents and families. So many parents, then and now, want to stay involved in their student’s lives, but aren’t quite sure to what extent is appropriate.
Our office seeks to be a resource for families, allowing them to stay informed of events and opportunities on campus without constantly bombarding their student with questions. Our philosophy is based on research that students whose families who are appropriately involved in their college lives are more likely to excel academically and graduate on time.
Gonzaga students are treated and encouraged to act as young adults. We expect them to seek answers and solutions to any problems they might encounter. Sometimes, it is entirely appropriate that they ask for your advice or opinion… and it is entirely appropriate for you to give your input! Be sure, though, that you are not trying to solve their problem. Ask questions such as “what are your options,” or “what have you done already?”
There are some situations where parents are not able to intervene. Due to FERPA laws, Gonzaga is not able to divulge information regarding academics, housing issues, or disciplinary actions. These are areas in which we encourage you to communicate openly with your student… especially proactively! Keep in mind that this is your student’s college experience, and they will learn, stumble, and grow from the foundation you have built.
Here are some simple ways to keep informed about what’s going on at GU:
- ZagAlert – This is Gonzaga’s emergency alert system. As a non-student, you are not able to sign up for this service. Your student can sign up, and can enter your phone number or email address if you wish.
- Gonzaga.edu/parents – Our website includes calendar dates, events, links to other departments, a list of printed and online resources for parents of college students, and much more.
- Gonzaga Parent Advisor – This is our digital newsletter. You can access this through our website, on the left side menu, under “Parent and Family Newsletter.” Be sure to click on the title of each article to see the entire content.
- Social Media – on Facebook, search for “Gonzaga Parents and Families.” Even If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can still access our page; simply type “Gonzaga Parents and Families Facebook” into your browser, or click here! Instagram: GonzagaFamilies; Twitter: @GonzagaFamilies.
- GUTV – See videos on demand and livestream events produced by our broadcasting students on this local television station.
- Gonzaga News Service – You can receive all Gonzaga-related news through this service. Go to http://news.gonzaga.edu/ and click “Subscribe to News.”
- Gonzaga Bulletin – This is GU’s student-run newspaper. You can read it online at http://www.gonzagabulletin.com/. This publication is an interesting source of information from the students’ perspective.