From the Director

Welcome!

The Office of Parent and Family Affairs is your "home" at the University of Maryland, and we look forward to supporting your transition and providing opportunities for you to stay connected to the university community.

The University of Maryland is a special place. We take pride in our many services, programs and resources, including an office dedicated to assisting parents and families. We view you as a partner in the educational process, and the Office of Parent and Family Affairs reflects the University of Maryland's commitment to establishing and maintaining a connection with you. It is a testament to the value and importance we place on the role of parents and family members in the education of our students.

You may experience several challenges while your student is here. And perhaps your greatest challenge as a parent or guardian will be discovering the best way to assist your student while also enabling him or her to take responsibility. Your role as a parent is still an essential one; however, it is important for you to allow your son or daughter to find personal solutions to problems or challenges. This Web site, along with other services provided by Parent and Family Affairs, is designed as a resource for you so that you have the information you need to serve as a resource for your son or daughter.

While fostering and respecting your student's independence, we also invite you to engage in the university experience. As a Terp parent or family member, you are automatically entitled to the benefits of our office and to membership in the Maryland Parents Association. I encourage you to activate your membership in the Association so we can stay connected with you. Once your membership is activated, you can look forward to receiving our monthly electronic newsletter, called eConnection. Your membership will also enable us to keep you informed about important programs, like Family Weekend and Terrapin Pride Day, as well as opportunities for you to be involved in other university events.

Parent and Family Affairs strives to be your link to university news, publications, events, departments, telephone numbers, and other resources of importance. In addition, we are dedicated to listening and responding to any issues or concerns you have that may be affecting the quality of your student's experience. If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, contact us by calling the Parent Helpline at 301.314.8429 or by writing to us via email at parents@umd.edu. And, whenever you visit campus you are always welcome to stop by our office, located in the Mitchell Building, Room 2108.

Sincerely,