Parents' Association Advisory Council Welcome

For the parents of the undergraduate students of George Washington University, the emotions, challenges, and exciting prospects associated with our children’s new academic year are upon us. As we leave our daughters and sons to their new Foggy Bottom surroundings, we take comfort having the guidance of the University’s Office of Parent Services (OPS), the communal support of the GW Parents’ Association, and the representation of the Parents’ Association Advisory Council (PAAC).

On behalf of the 30 members elected by the GW parent body to serve on the PAAC, I extend our best wishes for an exciting and successful year and an invitation to you to become more involved in your child’s college experience through the many opportunities GW offers.

Membership in the Parents’ Association is automatic for all parents of GW undergraduate students. And Association membership entails no fees or fundraising requirements. The PAAC, which is the operating arm of the Parents’ Association, works hand-in-hand with OPS Director Rodney Johnson and his team. In executing its responsibilities, the Council works with various representatives of the University administration, faculty, and staff. We are called upon to participate in certain University task forces, committees, and surveys to advance the issues and address the needs of GW parents. More recently, PAAC involvement has led to:

            - Improvements in residence-hall life, including the abolition of dorm smoking;

            - Enhancements to the campus dining options;

            - Expanded hours for health services;

            - Broader application of the GWorld card; and

            - Security enhancements throughout the campuses.

PAAC enters this academic year guided by the theme of “PAAC-kaging GW,” which highlights the critical intentions of our mission: to represent the parent body; to enhance the communications between the University and parents; and to promote volunteerism on behalf of the University.

In the 2008-2009 year, the PAAC will serve as the parents’ voice on these major initiatives: assessment and resultant changes in academic advising and mentorship; continued enhancements to our children’s on-campus dining options; and ongoing campus safety and security measures.

In addition to providing advice and counsel to the University leaders, PAAC members also set the example of volunteerism for GW parents. Parents of incoming students most certainly interacted with PAAC volunteers during the series of Colonial Inaugurations this past summer. And next month, the members of PAAC will be assisting the Office of Parent Services in helping host the Colonials Weekend. In addition, many PAAC members host summer receptions for incoming first-year students, attend college fairs on behalf of GW, conduct admissions interviews, and make calls to prospective parents. Throughout the year and the nation, PAAC members actively promote the University within their home communities.

To learn more about who we are and how to join in our activities, please visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/parents and click on the tab “Parents’ Association Advisory Council.”

The members of PAAC look forward to meeting you at Colonial Inauguration, the GW Parents’ Association Annual Meeting during Colonials Weekend, or through the Offices of Parent Services.

Representing the PAAC,

John E Potyraj
President, GW PAAC, '09
GW PAAC, Working with you, for you