St. Thomas’ Family Weekend will feature a more student-focused agenda in an attempt to increase attendance this year, according to Associate Dean of Students Patricia Conde-Brooks.
Last year, about 1,900 students and guests registered for family weekend, down from about 2,400 people in 2012. Conde-Brooks said the numbers were not as good as the university would like them to be.
“We’re making it a little more student-centered, so it’s (an incentive) for parents to want to come,” Conde-Brooks said.
The weekend will include presentations from undergraduate researchers, a PULSE show and more to draw in students and their families.
Sophomore Sean Coffey said having students participate in events will attract more of their peers to attend.
“It would benefit them if they see people they recognize,” Coffey said. “I think it brings more involvement.”
Conde-Brooks said one of the reasons for lower attendance is the perception that Family Weekend is only for freshmen and their families. Many upperclassmen and their families do not attend.
“Students get settled in on campus,” she said. “Mom and dad probably feel that they already know about what students are doing on campus.”
Senior Bailey Fischer said she believed Family Weekend was designed for freshmen to introduce their families to campus.
“I think that it’s a good time for families that are new to St. Thomas, mainly like underclassmen, to experience what St. Thomas has to offer,” Fischer said. “It’s a way for them to get to know the campus once their students are settled in more.”
In addition to attracting more upperclassmen, Conde-Brooks said the weekend also aims to attract students whose families could not visit.
“We’re specifically targeting students to let them know if you’re what I call flying solo … you can still come to family weekend solo,” Conde-Brooks said.
However, this year’s family weekend will face one obstacle: There will not be a football game.
“That presents that challenge of making parents and family members want to come to campus activities other than the football game,” Conde-Brooks said.
Coffey said when there is a football game, the large amount of people creates a better atmosphere for the visit.
In place of the football game, the weekend will offer a luncheon with President Julie Sullivan, in addition to TOMMIE Talks lectures from St. Thomas professors, tea times, presentations and other activities.
“We just continue the tradition,” Conde-Brooks said. “It’s sort of a rite of passage to have Family Weekend.”
Rebecca Mariscal can be reached at mari2162@stthomas.edu.