Exciting change is coming from Samford University’s Office of Parent and Family Engagement, formerly known as the Office of Parent and Family Programs. At the conclusion of the spring semester, university leadership decided to rename the office to better reflect its mission to build relationships with parents and families through personal connection, events and services. These interactions are intended to build a greater support system for Samford students to help them succeed.
“In the past, there has been confusion about what our office does,” said Julie Boyd, director of Parent and Family Engagement. “The name change better defines our goal of stewarding the Samford family and serving parents effectively. We are a resource for parents to become better engaged with their students’ home away from home. Whether this is providing vital communication or creating opportunities to fellowship together, we are here for the parents, no matter their needs.”
The name change isn’t the only development coming to the Office of Parent and Family Engagement. Several new resources are available to serve and connect with parents.
“In years past, parents have utilized the parent portal to access important messages from the university. In an effort to engage with our entire audience more directly, communication will now be coming through The Samford Parent, a monthly email publication that will bring the most pertinent news from campus to our parents across the world,” said Boyd.
“Parents and family members are always welcome to visit our ‘favorite corner on the quad,’ where they will find an office created just for them,” Boyd said. Parent Commons is the place for parents to go when they need a quiet space to take a call, catch up on work, or read a book while on campus and waiting for their student. Parents will find a printer for making copies and a big-screen TV where livestreamed performances are shown during Step Sing. The Parents Association provides coffee, snacks, water, and some great books written by Samford parents. Parent Commons is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Parent and Family Engagement hosts several events throughout the year, the most notable being Family Weekend, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. The anniversary weekend is set for September 20-22. This year’s highlights include the grand opening of the new Campus Recreation and Wellness Complex, Pops with the Prez, A Capella Choir Vespers, Party on the Quad, and a Saturday night concert. Make plans to attend this fun-filled weekend, and reserve your hotel today.
Another great resource developed by Parent and Family Engagement, and in partnership with the Samford CARES office, is Samford Talks, a unique conversation card game for parents and students to enjoy.
“Samford Talks is designed to be a fun and playful way for our families and friends to communicate and grow relationships,” said Boyd. “Proceeds from purchasing Samford Talks directly supports our Samford CARES office, which provides mental health and wellness resources to our students.”
In addition to these resources, the office will continue to provide a wide range of opportunities, events and services with which the Samford family can engage.
“We love our Samford family. The parents we engage with are truly some of our dearest friends,” said Boyd. “Though our students come and go from this place, the relationships we make here last a lifetime. The beauty of Samford and its mission are made possible primarily by our parents.”
To contact the Office of Parent and Family Engagement email parents@samford.edu.
