Get Involved with the Penn State Parents Program
All parents and family members of Penn State University Park undergraduates are automatically members of the Parents Society. There is no cost to be a member. The Parents Society is an organization committed to strengthening the partnership between the University and supporting family members.
Benefits of membership include access to:
- Parents Program website,
- Parents Program staff available to answer your questions via phone or email,
- Penn State Parents & Families Guide (limited availability in hard copy),
- Parents & Families Newswire (monthly electronic publication),
- PSUTXT, the campus emergency notification system (sign up required),
- Parents & Families Weekend programming and participation, and
- Information sessions during FTCAP, Move-In, and Parents & Families Weekend.
The Parents Council is the governing body of the Penn State Parents Society. If you are interested, please fill out our Parent Council application.
Please note that the number of membership opportunities will vary from year to year based on Council and Committee vacancies.
Brief descriptions of our Parents Council and Standing Committees are below. Please click on the heading for a more detailed description of responsibilities.
Here is our volunteer structure:
The Parents Council at University Park provides general guidance and support for Parents Program initiatives. The Council offers input regarding parental engagement and involvement efforts to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education, and the Parents Program Director by communicating issues of central importance to supporting family members, providing feedback about current University programs, and recommending possible program offerings. Additionally, Council members share their perspectives on critical student issues and needs during their undergraduate years.
Staff Liaison: Jennifer Mallen, Parents Program Director
Parent Ambassadors Committee (PAC)
The PAC provides support for the outreach efforts of the Parents Program. Parent Ambassadors serve as parent representatives for a number of university events and programs for new and continuing students, parents and family members. The committee’s overarching goal is to enhance communication between parents and Penn State University Park.
Staff Liaison: Jennifer Mallen, Parents Program Director
Parents Fundraising Committee (PFC)
The PFC provides volunteer support for the philanthropic activity of the Division of Student Affairs. Members assist in engaging and educating parents with the University and the philanthropic opportunities available at Penn State. The PFC is committed to developing a vibrant and successful program of parent giving and provides advice, assistance and feedback to the Division of Student Affairs regarding fundraising efforts.
Staff Liaison: Kimberly Field, Director of Development for Student Affairs