Welcome Parents and Families of the Class of 2011

The George Washington University Parents’ Association extends a warm welcome to you and your GW student.  As a parent of an undergraduate, you are automatically a member of the Parents’ Association.  Our purpose is to enhance communication between the University and the parents of undergraduate students to:

        Develop a strong constituency;

        Build and maintain a strong bond with the University administration;

        Be advocates for students, parents and the University;

        Support each other and;

        Promote and enhance the University, both nationally and internationally.

The Parents’ Association elects 30 parents to service as voluntary members of the Parents’ Association Advisory Council (PAAC), the Parents’ Association face to the university.  The PAAC meets three times per year with various representatives of the University administration and faculty.  We ask questions, offer suggestions, and discuss issues identified through family surveys.  Our questions and suggestions have resulted in some changes to programs and policies at GW, especially in the area of housing and security.

PAAC members also support activities for both Colonials Weekend and Colonial Inauguration.  In addition, many PAAC members host send off parties for incoming first year students, attend college fairs, conduct admissions interviews, and make calls to prospective parents.  PAAC members actively promote the university within their home communities.

The PAAC works closely with The Office of Parent Services (OPS) (http://gwired.gwu.edu/parents/) which serves as the official representative of the Association and of all parents to the University.  Founded more than 14 years ago, it’s a unique resource – there to serve you.  Rodney Johnson, Director, and his staff, are available to assist you (202-994-2305 or 202-994-0139) when you or your student have an issue.  They guide you to the appropriate department within the University or ask a PAAC member to answer your question.  Through emails, they will keep you informed about events on campus, so please take a moment and sign up for the Office of Parent Services/Parents’ Association list-serve: http://gwired.gwu.edu/parents .

The PAAC would not exist or function without involved parents.  We are your resource and your voice to the University, so consider volunteering and running for election.  Our elections are held in the fall, and you can even nominate yourself!  We’ll elect about 10 new members each fall, and those elected can serve up to three years.  By the way, PAAC meetings are also a great time to share a meal and catch up with your student, but you’ll be so involved with PAAC activities that you won’t be too intrusive.  If you are interested in becoming a PAAC member and would like more information, please call or email the Office of Parent Services (202-994-2305 or parents@gwu.edu). 

Enjoy these next few years.  You won’t believe how quickly they will go by and how much your student will mature and learn.  Before you realize it, your son or daughter will be graduating from one of the finest institutions in the country.  All of us on the PAAC look forward to meeting you at Colonial Inauguration, the Annual Meeting on Saturday during Colonials Weekend or through the Offices of Parent Services.

Representing the PAAC,

Philip Brody, PAAC President