Parents’ Weekend at the University of Idaho is supposed to be an opportunity for students to spend time with their families and show them what life in Moscow is like. For many students, it is one of the few times during the semester when their parents can visit campus. The university could do more to make the weekend memorable by offering a wider variety of activities.
College students spend most of their time balancing classes, homework, jobs and their social lives. When parents come to visit, students want to show them around campus and spend time together without worrying about their usual responsibilities. While attending a football game or going out to eat can be enjoyable. There should be more organized activities for families to participate in throughout the weekend.
Not every family is interested in attending sporting events, and not every student wants to spend the entire weekend finding things to do around Moscow. Having more UI-sponsored activities would give families different options depending on their interests.
Affordability should also be considered when planning these events. Families already spend money on transportation, hotels and meals when visiting Moscow. Offering free or low-cost activities would allow more families to participate without adding unnecessary expenses to their trip.
Parents’ Weekend should also be about building stronger connections between families and the university. Parents play an important role in supporting students throughout their college experience and giving them opportunities to become involved in campus life could help them strengthen that relationship.
UI has plenty to offer, from its academic programs to its student organizations and campus traditions. Parents’ Weekend would be a great opportunity to highlight more of these experiences instead of relying heavily on a few major events.
For students whose families travel several hours to visit, the weekend should feel worth the trip. Having more activities would help families make the most of their time together and give them a better understanding of what makes the UI special.
Parents’ Weekend should be more than just a chance to visit campus, attend a game and go out to dinner. It should be an opportunity for families to experience the university alongside their students. By expanding the number and variety of activities offered, UI could turn Parents Weekend into a more engaging tradition that students and their families look forward to every year.
AJ Pearman be reached at [email protected]