Embry-Riddle Parent & Family Association Earns National Outreach Award

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus Parent & Family Association and Parent Ambassador Program have been recognized as having the Best Institutional Initiative for a mid-size college or university in the nation by the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals (AHEPPP).

Specifically, this honor recognizes the creation of Embry-Riddle’s Parent and Family Communication Portal, which issues newsletters targeting the families of international students, graduating seniors and other underserved communities. The portal also actively offers information on scholarships, tutoring, student employment and tips for accessing Campus Career Services.

Additionally, Embry-Riddle’s parent and family programs have been enhanced through the launching of a Parent Advisory Council (PAC), which identifies parent concerns, develops assistance programs, help families engage with their student’s experience on campus and establishes a platform for mentorship from other parents.

“There is an established correlation between a student’s success in college and his or her family’s support throughout the student’s time at school, so a few years ago we put together a campus team to better support our students and families who have chosen to become part of our university community,” said Assistant Dean of Retention & Parent/Student Programs Richard Nicols.

PAC members now maintain two official Facebook groups, which host thousands of family members across the globe, as well as a nationwide Parents Ambassador program, which works to simplify travel to/participation in admissions events and answer questions from prospective students and their families.

“From knowing the best place for students to grocery shop in the Daytona Beach area to providing housing or transportation for a student in a time of crisis, the Parent Advisory Council and Parent Ambassadors are instrumental in streamlining communications with families,” said PAC member Loudine Louis.

In 2017, Embry-Riddle’s Parents Association at the Prescott, Arizona, Campus was also recognized as having the Best Institutional Initiative for a Small College or University by AHEPPP.

“We recognize the importance and value of the efforts that the Campus Parent & Family Association and Parent Ambassadors have achieved in collaborating and supporting our parents and families. Their success is manifest in the success of our students,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Lon Moeller.

AHEPPP is a national association that serves all higher education practitioners working with parents and families and is dedicated to facilitating meaningful and lasting contact with college and university parents and family programs by establishing a national support network. There are currently 180 AHEPPP member colleges and universities across the country.

For more information on the Daytona Beach Campus Parent & Family Association, email dbparent@erau.edu.

Posted In: Institutional News