Vincennes University’s semiannual Parent and Family Weekend kicks off this weekend.
This event is an opportunity for students and their families to spend time together and create memories here at Vincennes University.
Elizabeth Hutchinson, director of student activities said, “I think this weekend is great for parents and students because it gives them an opportunity to come after their students have been here and gotten adjusted to campus a little bit.”
Faculty and staff also participate in Parent and Family Weekend.
“It gives parents the chance to meet faculty in a more laid back environment; they’re not meeting them in a suit and tie in the office,” said Hutchinson.
“Two years ago, Provost (Dr. Laura) Treanor was here, she and her husband enjoy a good game of cornhole, and President (Dr. Chuck) Johnson always makes an appearance,” she said.
Parent and Family weekend is held in both the Spring and Fall semesters but, in the Fall, the weekend event is held outside, largely on the intramural fields.
In addition to various events on Friday and Saturday, Christian Campus Fellowship on Sunday will host a non-denominational church service that will be open to both students and their families.
Students are encouraged to show their families around campus but also to explore off campus as well.
“I know last year, a couple of our families got together after Saturday’s events and went to Abattoir together to enjoy that [haunted] attraction, and students have been really excited about taking their families to Charlie’s, the candy shop over on Second Street,” said Hutchinson.
Parent and Family weekend opens the doors for students to engage in activities on campus, and they have the opportunity to learn more about the university’s many clubs and organizations, too.
“When students show interest in certain things and have questions, clubs and organizations can start that conversation about what’s coming up next,” said Hutchinson.
“If a student is interested in fishing, we have a Bass Fishing Club just for that.”
Parent and Family weekend is also a time for families to check in with their students, offer support and reinforce the importance of self-care.
“Parent and Family weekend contributes to the well-being of students by providing connection and support, facilitating communication between students and their families, and parents also gain a better understanding of their student’s life on campus,” said Licensed Clinical Social Worker Kathleen Evans, who is a staff member at the Vincennes University Counseling Center.
Family members are encouraged to take advantage of meeting the friends of students, communicating with their students about classes and providing reassurance and support where needed to help them succeed.
“It is important to note that some parents and family members might not be able to visit on that weekend, but students are still encouraged to join in the fun of the events with their friends on campus,” said Evans.
Parent and Family weekend is something that both students and their families can look forward to, not only to reconnect, but also to enjoy spending time with one another on the campus of Vincennes University.
“We want the parents to know that just because your student goes to school here, they’re not the only Trailblazer in the house now. It’s a family affair. We’re all Trailblazers,” said Hutchinson.
For more information, parents and families can contact the Office of Student Activities by phone at 812-888-4301 or email at [email protected].
Students are encouraged to preregister for events, which include glow bowling from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, as well as academic show cases and a cornhole tournament on Saturday.
Lunch will also be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the intramural field, and bounce houses will be available for children from 1-4 p.m.
For more information, contact Student Activities at 812-888-4126.