Dave Becker on Seeing Parents as Partners - Re-Broadcast

On this "best of" from the first half of 2023, we revisit a conversation between Dustin and CEO/Founder of CampusESP, Dave Becker. Dave shares his passion for the work of intentionally leveraging the potential of the parents of college students to support their success. He also explores the implications of this work in a world of increasing adult learners.

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Key Takeaways

• Parents as Partners: Viewing parents as allies in student success can lead to better enrollment, retention, and giving outcomes for institutions.
• Cultural Shifts in Engagement: Rising tuition costs and post-pandemic health concerns have increased the need for intentional parent involvement in higher ed.
• Leveraging Technology: Tools like CampusESP allow parents to access tailored information without overstepping boundaries, addressing concerns like FERPA compliance.
• Focus on Financial Aid: Financial discussions are a natural entry point for engaging parents, given their significant role in funding education.
• Community Engagement Beyond Parents: For adult learners and nontraditional students, parent engagement strategies can extend to community-building efforts.

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Episode Summary

Why Parent Engagement Matters

Dave Becker highlights a shift in higher ed: parents are more involved than ever due to rising costs and increased concern for student well-being. Contrary to stereotypes of helicopter parenting, many families play a supportive role in their student’s journey. Financial aid is a key touchpoint—parents often need to guide their children through complex processes, making it vital for institutions to offer accessible information.

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Technology as an Enabler

CampusESP provides a solution for schools to engage parents effectively while empowering students. By creating customizable communication channels and access controls, institutions can ensure parents stay informed without overstepping. This structured engagement prevents parents from resorting to accessing student accounts or relying on unofficial channels like social media.

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Changing Perceptions of Parent Involvement

The episode challenges outdated notions of parental overreach. Becker recounts how some institutional staff initially resisted the idea of engaging parents, only to later admit to checking their own children's grades or financial aid status. Recognizing the role parents play in supporting student success can shift these perceptions, creating opportunities for collaboration.

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Expanding Engagement to Nontraditional Students

Dustin and Dave explore how parent and family engagement extends beyond traditional undergraduates. For adult learners, family members might take on different roles, such as childcare providers or emotional supporters. Community colleges can use similar engagement strategies to connect with families and the broader community, fostering lifelong learning.

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How to Implement Parent Engagement Strategies

1. Create Tailored Communication Channels
   • Provide newsletters and portals tailored to parents’ specific needs, such as financial aid updates or campus safety information.
2. Encourage Parental Involvement in Positive Ways
   • Focus on ways parents can enhance student success, such as connecting students to internships, career opportunities, and campus resources.
3. Acknowledge Cultural Shifts
   • Recognize that today’s parents are more involved due to economic pressures and changing societal norms. Offer resources that respect this involvement while fostering student independence.
4. Leverage Parent Communities
   • Engage parents through advisory councils, giving campaigns, or mentorship programs, emphasizing their role in the institution’s success.
5. Utilize Data and Feedback
   • Use surveys and analytics to understand what parents value most in communication, enabling targeted outreach and better resource allocation.

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