University Offers New Resource for Parents

Not sure when commencement starts? Need to know where to park on move-in day? Don’t worry, help is here.

As of Tuesday, March 1, parents of University of Scranton students have a new way to find answers to their questions with the opening of the Parent Relations Office. The new department offers parents a one-stop source for information about their student’s college experience.

Julie Bialkowski, director of the Parent Relations Office at Scranton, said parents are more involved in the lives of their students than ever before. As a result, the University wanted to strengthen its relationship with parents and become more proactive in providing them with information about the school.

“The support parents give our students is a big factor in their success,” said Bialkowski. “For that reason alone, there is a connection between the University, student and parent. We know by educating our parents of the opportunities available to the students of Scranton, and including them in our University family, that we’re strengthening our community as a whole.”

Bialkowski sees the new office as a gateway to the University, partnering with other offices at Scranton to bring parents information they need.

Parents can contact the office directly or visit its website for information in upcoming events and articles about campus life.

Bialkowski said the website, www.scranton.edu/parents, in particular will focus on the more in-depth aspects of campus life including features on student organizations and even information about artists performing in the Spring Concert.

“We will also have information about opportunities for parents to interact with their students and with University by attending events such as Family Weekend or by volunteering,” said Bialkowski.

The Parent Relations Office will oversee several University events including Family Weekend. Bialkowski said the department is looking for new approaches to make the weekend even more enjoyable for its students and their families. She urged parents to contact the office whenever they had a question or even a suggestion.

“If there’s something they’d like to see on our website or something they’d like us to communicate about more or that they’re interested in – please let us know,” Bialkowski said. “We need their feedback so we can make sure we’re providing the services they want.”

To contact the Parents Relations Office, call 570-941-4222, e-mail parents@scranton.edu, or visit www.scranton.edu/parents.