Parents Council

What We Do

Our Vision

We are a resource enriching the Penn State experience for all parents and families.

Our Mission

The Penn State Parents Council is comprised of a representative group of University Park parents and family members who:

• Make a commitment to volunteer our time and to share our knowledge and expertise across a range of initiatives and programs that support the mission and the goals of the Penn State Parents Program
• Act as an advisory group working in close collaboration with the Parents Program to help undergraduate parents, families, and students foster a positive and lasting connection to Penn State

Responsibilities Include:

• Attend biannual Council meetings at the University Park campus 
• Provide strategic input to senior administrators regarding issues of importance to parents and families 
• Represent the Parents Council at events and other outreach efforts
• Maintain frequent contact with Penn State Parents Program staff

Member Benefits Include:

• Help shape the parent and family experience at Penn State
• Maintain involvement with your student’s educational institution
• Increase your knowledge about University resources and programs 
• Opportunities to engage with University administrators
• Access to a group rate hotel block for Council meeting weekends 
• Opportunity to meet and network with other Penn State families
• Invitations to special events

Qualifications:

• Parent or supporting family member of a full-time undergraduate student of Penn State University Park
• Share the belief that family support enhances student success in college and must seek to make a positive impact on student life at Penn State through their involvement with the Parents Program
• The Parents Council strives to recruit members that represent the diversity of Penn State’s undergraduate student population

Applications:

Please check back in January if you want to apply for the Penn State Parents Council. Our recruitment cycle runs January and February and the Parents Council application will be available on this page at that time.

Please note: Penn State faculty, staff, and students are not eligible to become members of the Parents Council; however, they may apply to volunteer as Parent Ambassadors.