Recently, Elizabethtown College was featured as a case study in a special report published by the national edition publication, The Chronicle of Higher Education. The special report, “Managing the 21st Century Parent: How colleges’ partnerships with families can boost student success,” focused on the various ways colleges and universities across the nation 
engage with parents in order to help their students realize success. Etown was among several schools including Clemson University and El Camino College highlighted for its efforts to partner with parents to ensure effective communication and high engagement levels.
In the report, Elizabethtown College Director of Leadership and Student/Family Orientation Stacey Zimmerman shared some of the various ways the College has increased its frequency to connect with parents.
“Families are invited to the first webinar shortly after they make a deposit for their child to attend. In May 2021, the first Zoom session for parents — called “You’ve Deposited, Now What?” — was led by peer mentors and by Stacey Zimmerman, director of leadership and new student/family orientation. A follow-up session took place in September, on “What to Expect on Move-In Day.” About 76 percent of family members of first-year students either joined the video live or watched the recording afterward, Zimmerman says.”
In addition to the virtual parent sessions and in-person orientation, the College has a monthly Parent e-newsletter to provide important updates, accomplishments, and upcoming events. If you would like to read the full special report, you can purchase it in The Chronicle of Higher Education.