Families can get a sneak peek into their students' life
on campus during Eastern Michigan University's new Parents
and Family Weekend Oct. 23-25. Students of all ages are
encouraged to bring their families to campus to discover
all the educational, recreational and entertainment options
that EMU and the surrounding Ypsilanti community have to
offer.
"The weekend focuses on connecting in a more rich way
with students and parents," said Melissa Ginotti, Campus
Life director. "We want to build stronger relationships
with the people who are most important to us."
 |
A LOOK INSIDE: Parents of EMU students
will receive
a unique view of campus life during
Parents and
Family Weekend Oct. 23-25. Activities include
classroom
experience, an opportunity to visit their
children
in the workplace and a tailgate for parents. |
To help faculty and staff make the most of the weekend,
Campus Life has designed two special activities. On Friday,
Oct. 23, Take Your Parents to Work Day will
give parents a glimpse of their son or daughter's campus
job. On Saturday, Oct. 24, departments can join in the
EMU Family Welcome Tailgate with a mini-reception.
Campus Life will provide participating departments with
a dedicated table and free tickets to the tailgate and
football game.
A diverse array of campus activities is already scheduled
for that weekend. Sports enthusiasts can watch EMU soccer,
volleyball and football teams in action. There also are
a variety of arts and cultural events on tap, including
painting and sculpture exhibits, choir and symphonic band
concerts, and several performances of the play, "A
Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum."
"It's a great opportunity to get your parents here on
campus to see what you do every day," said Natalie Young,
a senior who is on the Family and Parents Weekend planning
committee. "It also helps students stay connected with
their parents now that they've (students) moved away from
home."
Campus Life also has planned some special events to give
participants a taste of students' culinary, academic and
entertainment options. On Oct. 23, parents can sample campus
cuisine with Dinner Specials for Parents at
the Eastern Eateries food court. The next day, families
can wake up their taste buds with a special continental
breakfast in the Student Center. While munching
on a muffin, parents can mingle and share questions and
tips with staff and other parents going through the same
experience.
With their brains fueled, parents can head up to the third
floor of the Student Center to "Get Skooled." Participants
can choose from quasi-classroom experiences on a variety
of subjects.
"We're offering shorter versions of some classes, with
superstar faculty that students love," Ginotti said. "We
want parents to feel how inspiring and interesting our
classes are."
"Get Skooled" also will include a resource fair and briefings
on topics such as sophomore-year transition, Study Abroad,
Greek Life and social media for moms and dads.
After graduating from "Get Skooled," parents can fill
out a report card indicating areas where their son or daughter
might need some follow-up assistance. Students do not always
take the initiative to use campus services when facing
challenges such as homesickness or academic pressure, so
parent input is invaluable.
"Our goal is to bridge students'
family and EMU support systems," said Ginotti. "We hope
that students will gain a feeling that their whole support
system is on the same page."
A Campus Tour/Scavenger Hunt will give
families a chance to stretch their legs and explore EMU's
campus. Clues delivered via cell phone will take players
all over the university grounds.
Next, students and their families are invited to fire
up their school spirit at the EMU Family Welcome
Tailgate. Guests will enjoy great food, music
and raffle prizes as they socialize with EMU President
Susan Martin, faculty and staff. That should put everyone's
cheering voices in great form for the EMU vs. Ball State
football game.
On Sunday morning, golf enthusiasts can indulge their
passion at the Eagle Crest Golf Course.
What better way to enjoy the fall colors than by hitting
the fairways for nine or 18 holes.
"We want everyone to have fun and see EMU at its best," said
Ginotti.
The Parents and Family Weekend registration fee of $20
per person ($26 per person if registered after Oct. 9)
includes Friday dinner, Saturday continental breakfast, "Get
Skooled", tailgate luncheon and one admission ticket to
the EMU football game. To register or get more information,
visit www.emich.edu/campuslife/parentsweekend/ or
call Melissa Ginotti, Campus Life director, at (734) 487-2268.
