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New office assists WMU parents and familiesJune 5, 2007 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University has established a new office to engage parents and assist them in proactively supporting their students' growth, personal development and educational success. The Office of Parent and Family Programs will serve as a contact point, liaison and information gateway for all parents, guardians and other family members of WMU students. "We hope to forge stronger relationships with parents and families of our WMU students so they feel connected to the University and can help their students appropriately," says Shari Glaser, director of parent and family programs. "We are here to help parents and families navigate through the University, so that if they don't know who to talk to, support and guidance is readily available." Among the office's first initiatives was the creation of the WMU Family Connection, a free and open support network that keeps families informed and involved in what is happening around campus. Upon registering their e-mail address with the Office of Parent and Family Programs, all interested family members will receive news and information of interest and invitations to seminars, activities and events, including this year's Family Weekend, which will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 21-23. The WMU Family Connection replaces the former WMU Parents Association, which was open only to dues-paying members. The creation of WMU's Office of Parent and Family Programs, an extension of the Division of Student Affairs, was announced last fall by interim President Dr. Diether H. Haenicke. WMU veteran Shari Glaser was appointed as director of the office and its outreach initiatives after serving as executive secretary and assistant to two WMU presidents and two interim presidents. Glaser joined the University in 1994. She is a graduate of Kalamazoo College. The Office of Parent and Family Programs is located in the Faunce Student Services Building. For more information, visit www.wmich.edu/parents, or contact Shari Glaser at shari.glaser@wmich.edu or (269) 387-4820. Media contact: Tonya Hernandez, (269) 387-8400, tonya.hernandez@wmich.edu WMU News |
