About Us
“Thank you! This program is a gift to parents who want to be connected and want their kids to be independent.“
—UW–Madison Parent
Mission
The Parent Program connects parents and families of UW–Madison students to the university so that they may support their student’s success.
Defining “parent”
For the purposes of this program, the term “parent” includes, but is not limited to, biological parents, stepparents, extended family members, foster parents, and legal guardians.
Methods
The UW–Madison Parent Program communicates with parents in a variety of ways:
- Parent Program Web site (www.parent.wisc.edu): This dynamic resource connects parents to important and relevant information online. It serves as a reference for general campus information, important dates, timely reminders, news updates, frequently asked questions, and links to commonly requested offices and information. It features an online sign up for our newsletter and parent notices as well as an online form to ask a question.
- Parent hotline and e-mail service, a personalized service provided by Parent Program professional staff.
- Parents may call toll free at 1-877-262-3977 or locally at 608-262-3977 to ask questions and receive accurate information and appropriate referrals.
- Parents may submit questions or concerns directly online or e-mail parent@uwmad.wisc.edu
- Parent Newsletter: Provides important timely campus information, including tips for parents on supporting their college students, news, and upcoming events. (Print and electronic options)
- Parent Notices: Provide parents and families with critical campus announcements. (Print and electronic options)
Parent Program goals for parents
- Parents recognize their important role as a mentor and coach. They help their student progressively take on more responsibility for their academics, out of the classroom experiences, and all other aspects of their lives.
- Parents have an open dialogue with their student about ways to promote personal health and balance, including coping with stress, alcohol/drugs, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and relationships. They empower their student to identify problems, develop a plan, and work toward solutions independently.
- Parents understand that there are limitations regarding access to student information as outlined in the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Parents know about and take advantage of opportunities to engage with the campus and surrounding community.
- Parents generate goodwill for the university by helping spread the word about the resources and discoveries at UW–Madison, impacting both their student and society at large. They advocate for personal, state, and federal investments in higher education.
Meet the Parent Program staff
Nancy Sandhu
is the Parent Program coordinator and assistant director of Visitor & Information Programs. She has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science & law/sociology and a master’s degree in educational
administration, both from UW–Madison.
Patti Lux-Weber
is the Parent Program administrative specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Edgewood College and has worked in higher education for more than ten years.