SF State News {University Communications}

Image: Photos of SF State students and scenes from around campus

SF State forms Parents Council, seeks University ambassadors

Sept. 6, 2011 -- SF State has launched a Parents Council to foster closer connections among the University and parents, guardians and family members of students. The Council is seeking members who will serve as advocates and ambassadors for the University.

A photo of a student with her family

"The Parents Council recognizes the important role that parents play in supporting their child's education," said Robert Nava, vice president of University Advancement. "We want to welcome parents and family members into the life of the University."

Members will be invited to special events on campus during the year, providing them with opportunities to hear the latest news from administrators, faculty and staff and to offer their perspectives to campus leaders.

The Parents Council is led by founding president Janice Gumas (B.S., '85).  She and her husband John Gumas (B.S. '84) met while studying business at SF State and are the parents of a freshman on campus.

"As a new SF State parent, I'm looking forward to working with other parents to build the University community and enrich our children's education," Gumas said.

"When I moved from Southern California to the dorms more than 25 years ago, it was a commuter school, and there was no reason for parents to come to campus through the year," she said. "I'd like to bring parents on campus to see firsthand the fabulous work that's going on and to network with other parents."

There are also practical ways for council members to lend their support, for example by volunteering at college fairs and student recruitment events. Parents can also be a voice for SF State by contacting their legislators about the need for the state to support affordable and quality public higher education.

"We've found that parents are some of our most effective advocates for the University," Nava said. "They feel the urgency for higher education to be better supported."

For more information about joining the Parents Council, visit the Parents & Family Program website, e-mail parent@sfsu.edu or call (415) 405-3580.

-- Elaine Bible

 

Share this story:

 

 

SF State Home