Parents of incoming Banana Slugs will soon have a chance to ask candid questions and concerns with a group of campus experts without ever having to leave their homes, jump in their cars, or even turn off their home computers.
On Wednesday, August 26, from 7 to 8 p.m., UC Santa Cruz will harness the power of social media during a “New Parent Chat,” a live Facebook event featuring a panel of three experts representing colleges, housing, and orientation, to talk about the upcoming academic year.
Topics will include campus life, housing, dining, and any other subject that crosses the parents’ minds.
While parents who participate will enjoy the dynamic of a "real time" conversation, those who miss out can also benefit; the questions and comments will remain on Facebook, so parents can visit the page and still contribute to the dialogue even when the live portion of the discussion is over. This is the second time UCSC has held the live parent chat, which aims to increase parent engagement and provide resources for parents using UC Santa Cruz social media.
Here’s how to join in if you are a new UC Santa Cruz parent:
- Log in to Facebook on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.
- Go to https://www.facebook.com/ucsantacruz
- Then, after “liking” the page, look for the post about the LIVE Facebook chat
- At that point you can comment and ask questions at will, then sit back and watch the answers roll in from the expert panel, who will all be gathered in one room on campus.
"We hope to provide parents with an opportunity to ask burning questions or questions they have not yet had the chance to ask,” said Carolyn Golz, college administrative officer at Cowell and Stevenson colleges, who is part of the panel of experts.
Aside from Golz, the panel will also include Chris Banks, manager of marketing and communications for Colleges, Housing and Educational Services, and Teresa Ruiz Decker, social media and marketing manager.
“This is such a great way to speak with parents directly at what can be a pivotal time for everyone in the family,” Decker said. “There are mixed emotions of pride, joy, concern and a little sadness many parents experience as their sons and daughters move away."
Golz agreed.
"Chatting with university staff before move in can help relieve some of the stress and anxiety families of new students might be feeling as they prepare to send their students to college,” Golz said. "Those who participated last year asked great questions and, hopefully, found the experience well worth the time and effort."
"Last year’s social chat showed there is a real community of UCSC parents who want to stay connected to their student’s university life,” Decker said. "We really value that parent experience and perspective here.”
