Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Engaging Families in Supporting their Students

An Appreciative Approach

Catherine A. Buyarski

Jennifer L. Bloom

Joseph E. Murray

Bryant L. Hutson

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v19i1.2779

Keywords: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Texas A&M University, FERPA, helicopter parents, success, Kolb, Erikson, Chickering, Sanford, Appreciative Advising, disarm, discover, design, deliver, dream, don't settle

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Abstract

Parents and families are a key factor in college student success. As such, it is critical that institutions develop positive relationships with the families of students, particularly during new student orientation programs. Appreciative Advising has been used as a solid model for advisors and mentors to work with students on nurturing meaningful partnerships, generating co-constructed paths to success, and providing individualized sets of tools and timelines for personal development. Appreciative Advising is an effective, proven framework for enhancing student success which can be applied to working with parents durign new student orientation. The six-phase model can be taught to parents as a way to empower them to assist their student in achieving their educational and personal goals.