Freshman and transfer students had a day of fun and relaxation with their parents and friends on Family Day, held this past Saturday.’ New SBU students and their guests participated in this annual event, exploring the university campus and the services provided for students. Of the 300 familes who had registered for the event, approximately 150 were present Saturday.’
“The goal of Family Day is for parents and family to see how students are doing in school and to learn to support their quest in their academic success,” said Stephanie Foote, associate director of orientation.
Family Day itself was a combined effort of the Homecoming Committee and the Parent’s Office, two subdivisions of the Orientation office.’ The partnership of the two organizations provided an entertaining Saturday not just for the immediate families of new students, but for other relatives as well.
“The focus of Family Day is also to expand the event to extended family and friends,” Foote said.’
Five workshops were organized Saturday.’ These included “How to Get Involved in Research,” “Parents and Family as Partners,” “Supporting Your Student’s Academic Success,” “Planning Ahead: Opportunities Beyond the Stony Brook Classroom,” and “Becoming Involved in Campus Activities.”‘ The workshops were preceded by a University Welcome.’ The speakers of the welcome included President Shirley Strum Kenny, Dean of Students Jerrold Stein, Foote’ and Virgil Simmons, the president of the Stony Brook Parents and Family Association.’
“It is great to see a lot of families here,’ said Janelle Simmons, assistant director of orientation.’Parents are getting involved in their children’s education, and it has been a great day so far.’ There is a lot of excitement in the air,”
Some SBU parents were pleased with the things they had heard at the workshops.’ Parent Catherine Noble said that she liked the student academic information she was provided with.
‘ “The workshops gave us a chance to talk to one another and find out about things available on campus,’ said a parent of freshman Matthew Bauch.’ “We were able to share experiences about roommates and professors.”‘
Some parents took a day off from work on Saturday to be with their college-aged children.’ “I did away with my overtime, just to spend today with my family,” said Archibald Tubo, who spent the day with his son.’
Described as another successful year by some parents and administrators, other Family Day staff members pleaded for what they anticipated could have been an even more successful event.’ Brian DeLong, director of orientation, said that he wished more people showed up to make Family Day as successful as possible.’
Family bonding was described by administrators as the message of the day, but there seemed to be many more obstacles to overcome.’
Despite Family Day’s multi-year history, there are still things that parents don’t know about, according to Simmons.’ The purpose of Saturday’s program was to answer any questions parents had about their children’s access to social activities and education at SBU.
Parents were grateful for this year’s event, and’ many extinguished their duties for Family Day to attend the SBU Homecoming football game, but not before showing their gratitude.’
“I know people who came here had a good time because they went up to me and thanked me,” DeLong said.
