Welcome to a new year at the University of Denver. We have the privilege of Co-Chairing the Parents Association Council for this academic year. We enjoyed meeting many of you at the Colorado Send-Off Reception, during Move-in, and Discoveries Orientation activities.

We have had a busy start to this academic year. There were several Send-Off receptions over the summer; the Parents Association participated in the Colorado Send-Off. Parents Association volunteers participated in Discoveries Orientation activities – we provided information and answered questions to many of you as you moved your students in to their residence halls. Also during Orientation, volunteers provided assistance and information at the Resource Fair and the Parents Association again sponsored Helen Johnson, the nationally acclaimed expert and author of the book, Don’t Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money. Helen’s presentation was filled with anecdotes and humor, regarding issues that parents and students experience as they transition from home to college life. We, personally, have gleaned wisdom from Helen’s book as we have enrolled both of our children at DU; a little outside perspective is certainly beneficial as we ride the roller coaster of emotions.

If you haven’t already joined, we invite you to join the Parents Association at the University of Denver. Here is a link which provides information about the association and online registration: DU Parents Association.

We would also like to encourage you to consider submitting an application to join the Parents Association Council. The Council is an advisory board made up of parents from different geographic regions of the country. Meetings are just twice a year, but it is a great opportunity to stay connected with your student’s school and to let them know that you are still involved in their life. Here is a link with more information and the application form: Parents Association Council.

We hope that you are planning to return to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 21 & 22, for a weekend of informative and fun activities. Parents can attend sessions on Friday, have breakfast with the Chancellor on Saturday, and of course, enjoy some great Pioneer Hockey!

Also, mark your calendars for “Dads” and Granddads Weekend, February 24 & 25. This is always a special time for students and their dads and/or granddads. Don’t worry, “Moms” and Grandmoms Weekend will be held in 2013.

Parent and family participation is always welcomed and encouraged at the University of Denver. Your student’s education is an investment in which you both will receive dividends for a lifetime. Stay involved. Stay in touch. Check DU’s web site for all of the happenings on campus: DU Today. You will be surprised at how much is going on, and your student will be impressed with how much you know.

Carolyn and Jim Bolden
(parents of Becca, Sociology 2011 and Social Work 2012; Zach, class 2014 undecided)
Co-Chairs, Parents Association Council