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Parents' weekend study 2001 : prepared for BYU Alumni Association Parents' Weekend has become a tradition at many colleges and universities across the nation. Parents of students are invited to spend a weekend learning about their child's experience at school and experiencing for themselves many of the activities that take place on campus. LRB Marketing comprised of Laura Minor, Rebecca Keddington, Brian Catmull. LRB MARKETING RESEARCH FOR: BYU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PARENTS' WEEKEND STUDY 2001 Prepared for BYU Alumni Association by: LRB MARKETING Laura Minor Rebecca Keddington Brian Catmull April 10, 2001 Mr. Reid A. Robison Director Alumni Activities, International Chapters and Tours Brigham Young University PO Box 22400 Provo, Utah 84602- 2400 Dear Mr. Robison, We are pleased to present to you this marketing research report that you have requested. The report includes the responses to the following questions: Should BYU continue to host a Parents' Weekend? What time of year is best for parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend? What would most attract parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend? The report contains the following sections: INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, and RECOMMENDATIONS. We have enjoyed working with you on this project and hope that our findings, conclusions, and recommendations, based on the survey conducted, will be very helpful in making Parents' Weekend a success. We appreciate your interest and assistance in this project. Sincerely, LRB Marketing Laura Minor Rebecca Keddington Brian Catmull EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Parents' Weekend has become a tradition at many colleges and universities across the nation. Parents of students are invited to spend a weekend learning about their child's experience at school and experiencing for themselves many of the activities that take place on campus. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The Alumni Association would like to establish this same tradition at BYU by holding a Parents' Weekend each year. However, in the past the event has not been as successful as hoped for, and The Alumni Association would like to find out why. Following are the three main questions researched by LRB: + Should BYU continue to host a Parents' Weekend? + What time of year is best for parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend' + What would most attract parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend? METHODOLOGY The following three methods of research were performed by LRB: Exploratory Research - LRB consulted with Reid Robison and Nancy Carson about Parents' Weekend. Two focus groups were conducted to assist in developing the questionnaire to be used in gaining primary research. Secondary Research - LRB studied all research conducted by the Alumni Associatic from the previous Parents' Weekend, including history, parent evaluations, schedule activities, pictures, and articles. Primary Research - Separate questionnaires were sent to both parents and student via email. The data were then analyzed and cross- tabulated. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The survey found the following results: + Parents' Weekend should continue to be held at BYU. October, correlated with General Conference, is the best time for both parent and students to attend Parents' Weekend. Parents want to learn about the culture of BYU and become more familiar witt their child's life at BYU. A formal letter is the best method of notification for both parents and students Time constraints and costs will prevent many parents from being able to atter Parents' Weekend. According to the survey conducted, Parents' Weekend is an excellent idea. HowevE the number of parents and students who will actually participate is still questionable to individual circumstances. LRB recommends heavy advertising, having students involved in planning the event, and allowing time for Parents' Weekend to become a tradition at BYU. TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter of Transmittal 2 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 7 Methodology 10 Exploratory Research Secondary Research Primary Research Limitations 14 Findings 17 Analysis/ Conclusions 32 Recommendations 34 Appendix A - Proposal 38 Appendix B - Focus Groups 46 Focus Group # 1 Focus Group # 2 Appendix C - Questionnaires 53 Parent Questionnaire Student Questionnaire Appendix 0 - Open- Ended Questionnaire Responses 66 INTRODUCTION The BYU Alumni Association is responsible for organizing and hosting alumr activities related to BYU. Its purposes are to connect parents, students, and familie BYU and to build and maintain BYU alumni relationships to continue and further thE mission of BYU. Last year, the BYU Alumni Association hosted an event called Parents' Weekend where parents had the opportunity to come to campus to visit thl student and participate in a number of activities. A few of these activities included: Question and answer session with President and Sister Bateman Faculty lectures Family barbeque Football game, volleyball match, World of Dance, and 5K Alum Run The event was held the weekend of September 22 through the 24th . However, for unknown reasons, the event was less successful than hoped for by the organizatior There were only 395 total family registrants, and attendance at each of the activitie: was unexpectedly low. The directors of the Alumni Association had reached a diler They knew changes must be made to Parents' Weekend in order for it to be more successful in the future, but they could not agree on which changes were best. Rei Robison, Director of Alumni Activities, asked LRB Marketing to conduct a survey of parents and students to find out mainly the following three questions: + Should BYU continue to host a Parents' Weekend? + What time of year is best for parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend? + What would most attract parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend? LRB performed exploratory research to determine which questions would be most beneficial to ask parents and students. Secondary research was performed by studying all research previously conducted on Parents' Weekend, and primary research was found through the questionnaires given to both parents and students via email. The results of the research are detailed in the following sections of this report. I . METHODOLOGY METHODOLOGY PROBLEM STATEMENT LRB Marketing was asked by Reid Robison, Director of Alumni Activities, to conduct this research project for the Alumni Association in order to determine how to make Parents' Weekend more successful. Specifically, The Alumni Association wou like to know what the best time of year is for parents and students to attend Parents' Weekend and what would most attract participation in the event. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH In order to learn more about Parents' Weekend, LRB began obtaining background information by meeting with Reid Robison and Nancy Carson. Mrs. Car: recently visited Parents' Weekend at Stanford University and was able to provide mu helpful information about the event. These meetings allowed LRB to become familia with the nature and objectives of Parents' Weekend, as well as define the specific problems that needed to be researched and develop a proposal to be approved by 1\ Robison. Two focus groups were also held by LRB in order to gain a better understandi of the perceptions students have of Parents' Weekend. Both groups were held on campus at the Wilkinson Student Center and catered by BYU. This open discussior helped in writing the questionnaire by narrowing down the most important questions answers relevant to the study in the opinions of the students there. The groups' discussions focused on the main issues of timing and activities of Parents' Weekenc well as students' feelings about the idea of Parents' Weekend, what would motiv; them to attend, and the best form of advertisement for Parents' Weekend. Many attending the focus groups were open and upfront with their feelings regarding tt issues. The group members provided a valuable resource for LRB in determinin questions to ask in the primary research section of this study. A more detailed 0 the topics discussed and the comments made at these meetings is found in App B of this report. SECONDARY RESEARCH Because Parents' Weekend has only been held one year at BYU, the sec research available to LRB was limited. However, a notebook had been put toge Todd Hendricks consisting of a detailed account of Parents' Weekend 2000. A questionnaire had been sent to all parent attendees of the event and asked for c evaluation of Parents' Weekend. Thirty- seven evaluations were voluntarily retul these responses were added to the notebook. Also included in the notebook ar, pictures of the event, the number of participants at each activity, the budget, set and advertising for Parents' Weekend last year. LRB studied this information thoroughly and was able to use much of it to better understand the nature of Pa Weekend and develop the questions for the questionnaires. PRIMARY RESEARCH LRB's primary research was in the form of a questionnaire administered parents and students. The questionnaire was developed using the information from the exploratory and secondary research. Drafts were formed for each of t populations, parents of BYU students and BYU students. The drafts were revi: times and then final copies were then pre- tested to eliminate bias and confusin questions before being sent out by email. A primary objective of the group was tc compile research data with a margin of error of plus or minus five percent and a confidence level of ninety- five percent. To accomplish our objectives, questionnaires were sent to 1900 parents ar 3300 students. The database LRB used for the parent questionnaire came from parents who voluntarily gave their email addresses through a questionnaire maile parents of freshmen in 1999. The 3300 students we sent questionnaires to were randomly selected from BYU's undergraduate student email list. Three hundred thirty- seven parents and three hundred and seventy students responded to the questionnaires. The questionnaires asked several things about Parents' Weekend in order gain a variety of data inputs for the survey. Multiple choice, ranking, and open- el1 questions were all used on the questionnaire. Questions to gather demographic information were also used to later perform cross- tabulations of the data. Copies both questionnaires are included in Appendix C of this report. Responses to ope ended questions are included in Appendix D. The information gathered from the questionnaires is included in the Findings section of this report. I I . LIMITATIONS LIMITATIONS Although LRB tried to reduce bias and error in the study, many limitations are inheren in marketing research. The following should be considered when evaluating the resul' of this study: SAMPLING ERROR The desired target population was BYU students and parents of BYU students. BecaL each BYU student is assigned an email address when they are accepted to BYU, we were able to successfully administer a completely randomized questionnaire to the students. However, because we did not have the same type of list of email addresse for the student's parents, we were limited to the email addresses voluntarily given by parents. The parent's email addresses were complied when a questionnaire was administered to all the parents of incoming freshman in 1999. From those questionnaires, 1900 parents gave their email addresses. We sent questionnaires fOI this study to all 1900 parents. Thus, in a sense, this was a convenient sample, but it does have some random attributes because of the way the email addresses were originally collected. NON- RESPONSE ERROR Another consideration to this study is the fact that respondents may not have answer all questions included in the questionnaire. Any unanswered questions would limit th reliability of the analysis that included these variables. RESPONSE ERROR One major challenge with the use of a questionnaire is that the questionnaire must stand alone without further explanation or help from the researcher. Due to this fact, some respondents may have misunderstood some questions and answered these questions with different intentions. This also decreases the validity of the analysis that included these variables. I I I FINDINGS FINDINGS LRB Marketing gathered a large amount of information through two focus groups and questionnaires. Data from the focus groups can be found in Appendix B. Examples of the questionnaires used can be found in Appendix C, and all responses to open- ended questions from the questionnaires can be found in Appendix D. The following pages include findings from the primary research - questionnaires administered to undergraduate BYU students and parents of BYU students. The following analysis and conclusion section includes the conclusions made from our exploratory research - focus groups, compared with our secondary and primary research. Should BYU host a Parents' Weekend? Students Parents ( 78iO ( 91%) yes no 78% of Students feel BYU should host a Parents' Weeker 22% of Students feel BYU should not host a Parents' We yes 91% of Parents feel BYU should host a Parents' Weekenc no 9% of Parents feel BYU should not host a Parents' Weekl When is the best time to hold Parents' Weekend? Students ( 12%) ( 8%) ( 20%) ( 45%) August ( coordinated with new student orientation) September October ( coordinated with General Conference) October ( coordinated with Homecoming) January February March Responses show significant favor for Parents' Weekend to be held in October, coordinated with General Conference What are the best methods of notifying people of Parents' Weekend? Students Parents - .. . .- - . -. ,.. . - - . .. ... I : 40 50 - . - .. - - -- .- 4 35 40 ____ 0 ___ .. 30 3! l 25 VI co Gl 30 .....- - . I c: 2! l 20 ..... _. - Cl IE 20 15 Gl 1! l "" 10 .".". 10 ..... Cl 5 Cl 5 j"" 0 I- I"" I 0 ... .. .. 1 I- IlJ I- ' M :> ' 0 0; ' jjj ..., t . B i I'l" J ... c: .. .!: U ... u ... .... t: ill 0 L Q. 15 '" 0; .8 0 .. .... c Cl e: "'- , S oS I- ' t: l .. L 40- II> :::> iZ. Z' ' M .. .. I..-. c'" o <= :. 0. B.. !: I <: x of total responses " of total responses Students and parents both responded that formal letters and emails are the best way to notify them of Parents' Weekend. What activities are people most interested in? ( 5%) ( 1%) ( 10%) ( 10%) ( 10%) Question & Answer session with Question & Answer session with President & President & Sister Bateman 2.82% Sister Bateman 4.71% Devotional or Fireside from a General Authority 11.89% Devotional or Fireside from a General Authority 11.49% Talks from well- known LOS speakers or Talks from well- known LOS speakers or BYU BYU professors 9.15% rofessors 10.36% BYU football game 9.75% BYU football game 9.23% BYU basketball game 7.50% BYU basketball game 7.49% BYU play, musical, or other performing BYU play, musical, or other performing arts . arts event 10,56% event 11.40% BYU sponsored dinner, luncheon, or breakfast 10.24% BYU sponsored dinner, luncheon, or breakfast 6.31% 5k run 1.65% 5k run 0.85% Hike to the Y 4.47% Hike to the Y 2.36% III Tickets to General Conference at the Other ( see Appendix OJ 0.40% Conference Center in Salt Lake 9.75% Tickets to " The Testaments" at the . Legacy Theatre in Salt Lake 9.83% Other ( see Appendix D) 0.99% Free time ( no activity scheduled) with Tickets to " The Testaments" at the Legacy Jour parent( s) 9.19% Theatre in Salt Lake 5.28% Tickets to General Conference at the Free time ( no activity scheduled) with your Conference Center in Salt Lake 12.54% student( s) 6.76% Participate in the culture and your student( s) educational experience at BYU 8.53% Opportunity to bring a prospective BYU student to campus 4.47% Responses show that people are interested in a variety of activities. There is not one activity that is overwhelmingly popUlar. What would prevent attendace at Parents' Weekend? Students Parents ( 14%) traVel e" Penses lOdging e>< pe lack of inte nses Parents' Westing activities Other ( see : end is not a Irad lon at BYU tirne constrai,:: ndlx OJ TIme constraints K's not really coor 10 have your parents visl Parents' Weekend Is not aIr& d. ion III BYU Nol applicable ( I would probablY participate in Parents' Weekend) Other ( see AppendIx OJ Lac!< of Intere> tlng . ctMlieS ow should the activities at Parents' Weekend e structured? Students ChSeveral activities to Oose from whose scheduIes might overlap Fewer h" activ" t" ' Igher quality lies whose schedules do not overlap Other ( see Appendix D) Parents Several activities to choose from whose schedules might overlap Fewer, higher quality activities whose schedules do not overlap Other ( see Appendix D) Cross- tabulations Students Year In schoo17 Would you be interested in Parents' Weekend Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Total yes 61 77 59 85 283 21.60% 1 80.30% 27.20% 1 86.50% 20.80% 1 79.70% 30.00% 1 69.70% no 15 12 15 37 79 19.00% 1 19.70% 15.20% 1 13.50% 19.00% 1 20.30% 46.80% 1 30.30% Total 76 89 74 122 Each cross- tabulation has a set of two percentages. The left- most percentage in the table above, for example, reveals that 21.6% of those who responded " yes" to this question were Freshmen. The percentage to the right of 21.6% indicates that 80.3% of the Freshman responded " yes" to the question. The bolded percentages illustrate that Sophomores were the group most interested in Parents' Weekend, followed by Freshmen, Juniors, and finally Seniors. Genaer Would you be interested in Parents' Weekend male female Total yes 106 176 282 37.60% 1 73.10% 62.40% 1 81.10% no 39 41 80 48.80% 1 26.90% 51.20% 1 18.90% Total 145 217 The above responses by males and females reveal that 8% more of the female undergraduate population is interested in the Parents' Weekend idea than the male constituency. Marital status Would you be interested in Parents' Weekend married single Total ' yes 51 227 278 18.30% 1 73.90% 81.70% 1 78.30% no 18 63 81 22.20% 1 26.10% 77.80% 1 21.70% Total 69 290 The data above indicate that 4.3% more single students are interested in Parents' Weekend than married students. year In sc 10017 Level or participation Freshman Soohomore Junior Senior Total little to no participation 12 11 13 32 I 17.60% 1 16.40% 16.20% 1 12.50% 19.10% 1 17.60% 47.10% 1 26.00 /. some Iparticipation 33 39 39 54 1l 19.90% 1 45.20% 23.50% 1 44.30% 23.50% 1 52.70 /. 32.50% 1 43.90% significant Iparticipation 22 31 17 31 11 21.80% 1 30.10% 30.70% 1 35.20 /. 16.80% 1 23.00% 30.70% 1 25.20% full participation 6 7 5 6 25.00% 1 8.20-;. 29.20% 1 8.00% 20.80% 1 6.80% 25.00% 1 4.90% Total 73 88 74 123 Each one of the classifications of students above led a different category of participaiton. Freshmen are most likely to fully participate, Sophomores will contribute the highest number of significant participation, Juniors have the highest response for some participation, and Seniors lead the category with for least amount of participation. Marttal status Level or Iparticipation married single Total little to no particiDation 18 51 69 26.10% 1 25.70% 73.90% 1 17.80% some oarticiDation 36 129 165 21.80% 1 51.40 78.20% 1 4S. 10 significant oarticipation 15 84 99 15.20% 1 21.40% 84.80%\ 29.40% full Iparticipation 1 22 23 4.30% 1 1.40% 95.70% 1 7.70% Total 70 286 From these data, married people are more likely to contribute some participation ( 51.4%) than single students ( 45.1 %). However, married students are the most likely out of the two categories to not participate at all, and the least likely to contribute significant or full participation. Level of participation If married, do you have little to no some significant children Iparticipation participation participation full participation Total yes 6 15 1 0 22 27.27% 1 22.22% 68.18% 1 33.33ltf. 4.55% 1 5.00% 0.00% 1 0.00% no 21 30 19 2 72 29.17% 1 77.78% 41.67% 1 66.67% 26.39% 1 95.00% 2.78% 1 100.00% Total 27 45 20 2 This table reveals that married couples without children are over 30% more likely to contribute some participation to Parents' Weekend than those who have children. Cross- tabulations Parents Should BYU host a Parents' Weekend Please check all that apply yes no I currently have one student at BYU 130 13 90.90% 16.30% 9.10% 16.00% I currently have more than one student at BYU 108 12 90.00% 13.50% 10.00% 14.80% I am a BYU alumnus 244 24 91.00% 30.60% 9.00% 29.60% My first child to attend BYU is currently 78 6 92.90% 9.80% 7.10% 7.40% My last child that will attend BYU is currently 57 6 90.50% 7.10% 9.50% 7.40% I will have more children attending BYU in the future 181 20 90.00% 22.70% 10.00% 24.70% Total 798 81 From the above responses it appears that the number of students parents have or will have attending BYU, does not weigh heavily on the parents' opinion of hosting a Parents' Weekend. Should BYU host a Parents' Weekend Did you attend Parents' Weekend last year yes no yes 8 0 100.00% 1 3.00% 0.00% 1 0.00% no 257 27 90.50% 1 97.00% 9.50% 1 100.00% Total 265 27 Although only eight of the respondents attended Parents' Weekend last year, none of them suggested BYU abandon the idea. Liklihood of attendance What is your zip code? not likely I might attend more than likely I would attend Total Region 0 1 5 4 1 11 9.09% 1 1.72% 45.45% 1 3.25% 36.36% 1 5.97% 9.09% 1 4.17% Region 1 1 8 0 0 9 11.11% 1 1.72% 88.89% 1 5.19% 0.00% 1 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 2 3 6 2 0 11 27.27% 1 5.17% 54.55% 1 3.90% 18.18% 1 2.99% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 3 4 5 1 2 12 33.33% 1 6.90% 41.67% 1 3.25% 8.33% 1 1.49% 16.67% 1 8.33% Region 4 2 5 1 0 8 25.00% 1 3.45% 62.50% 1 3.25% 12.50% 1 1.49% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 5 1 4 1 0 6 16.67% 1 1.72% 66.67% 1 2.60% 16.67% 1 1.49% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 6 4 5 0 0 9 44.44%\ 6.90% 55.56% 1 3.25% 0.00% 1 0.00% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 7 6 9 1 0 16 37.50% 1 10.34% . 56.25% 1 5.84% 6.25% 1 1.49% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 8 18 59 42 13 132 13.64% 1 31.03% 44.70% 1 38.31% 31.82% 1 62.69% 9.85% 1 54.17% Region 9 18 48 15 8 89 20.22% 1 31.03% 53.93% 1 31.17% 16.85% 1 22.39% 8.99% 1 33.33% Total 58 154 67 24 Although most of the respondents came from Region 8 or 9, the bolded percentages above illustrate that as a percentage, just as many and in most cases more parents from all over the country indicated that they might attend Parents' Weekend than those in Region 8 or 9. Region 8 and 9 are closer to campus than the other regions. Should BYU host Parents' Weekend What is your zip code? Iyes no Total Region 0 11 11 100.00% 1 5.39% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 1 9 9 100.00% 1 4.41% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 2 10 1 11 90.91% 1 4.90% 9.09%\ 3.85% Region 3 9 9 100.00% 1 4.41% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 4 6 1 7 85.71% 1 2.94% 14.29% 1 3.85% ReQion 5 5 5 100.00% 1 2.45% 0.00% 1 0.00% Region 6 7 1 8 87.50% 1 3.43% 12.50% 1 3.85% Region 7 14 1 15 93.33% 1 6.86% 6.67%\ 3.85% Region 8 52 16 68 76.47%\ 25.49% 23.53% 1 61.54% Region 9 81 6 87 93.10% 1 39.71% 6.90% 1 23.08% Total 204 26 There is less support, as a percentage, for Parents' Weekend from parents in region 8 versus those located in regions further away from BYU. Region 8 includes Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada ( see map on following page). (! l ALASKA. HAWAII ZfVCOfJE NAT\ ONAL AREAS @ l PUERTO RICO V'RGlN ' SLANDS - ------- IV. ANALYSIS/ CONCLUSIONS ANALYSiS/ CONCLUSION LRB feels that the following statements are the most important conclusions dra' from the study about Parents' Weekend. < t Parents' Weekend should continue to be held at BYU. t} October, correlated with General Conference, is the best time for both parer and students to attend Parents' Weekend. < t, Parents want to learn about the culture of BYU and become more familiar wi their child's life at BYU. '.' There should be a variety of activities available. +, A formal letter is the best method of notification, followed by a series of ema for both parents and students. t Time constraints and travel expenses will prevent many parents from being c to attend Parents' Weekend. These conclusions are based on students' and parents' perceptions of Parents' Weekend, gathered from focus groups and questionnaires administered by LRB Marketing. v. Re: COMMENDATIONS -- RECOMMENDATIONS From the study performed by LRB Marketing, LRB has designed the following recommendations for the Alumni Association regarding the future of Parents' Weekend. The idea of Parents' Weekend is definitely a good idea in the minds of parents and students, but a good idea doesn't always mean good success. For Parents' Weekend to be more successful in the future, we recommend that Parents' Weekend be held around another event that already brings parents to BYU. General Conference Weekend seemed to be the best weekend for both parents and students. We recommend you hold Parents' Weekend from Thursday to Sunday of that week. Make General Conference the main event of the weekend. Offer tickets to General Conference to the first 100 who register for Parents' Weekend. Hold check- in Thursday morning. Start activities Thursday afternoon and continue them until Friday evening. Leave Friday evening open for free- time with students so students and parents can attend missionary reunions if so desired. Provide an activity just for the women Saturday night that is held simultaneously with the Priesthood Session of General Conference. Leave Sunday completely open for General Conference. Parents' Weekend must also be marketed effectively. We suggest that a formal letter, addressed to the parents, be sent out 6 months in advance to allow for sufficient planning time. Then, send out follow- up emails each month. Send another formal reminder 3 months prior to the event. Send a notice about Parents' Weekend with acceptance letters for incoming students, and include a flyer about Parents' Weekend in student's tuition billing statements. Be sure to heavily advertise the event on campus and include students in planning of Parents' Weekend. Also, make parents and students aware of the website for Parents' Weekend and provide detailed information on the website about the event. If possible, offer travel and lodging discounts to parents. Do all you can to make this weekend an enjoyable weekend, with little hassle, for both students and parents to help Parents' Weekend become a tradition at BYU. Be sure to cover all details of the event, including parking, location of seats at events, food, etc. Make sure parents feel well taken care of and important. Note: Be sure to read open- ended responses in Appendix 0 for further recommendations from parents and students. VI. ApPENDICES ApPENDIX A PROPOSAL LRB Marketing LRB Marketing 174 Tanner Building Provo, UT 84604 February 15, 2001 Reid A. Robison Brigham Young University Alumni Association P. O. Box 22430 Provo, DT 84602- 2430 Dear Mr. Robison LRB Marketing is pleased to present the following proposal for your approval. This proposal is in response to your concerns about Parent's Weekend at BYU. We are excited to provide you with answers to the following questions: 1. Why was the number of participants at Parent's Weekend so low in 2000? 2. Should BYU host Parent's Weekend in the future? Why or why not? 3. What should be done to make Parent's Weekend more attractive to students and parents? Answers to these questions will be obtained by conducting focus groups, surveys, personal interviews, and analyzing past experiences ofParent's Weekend at Ricks College ( BYU- Idaho) and BYU. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and the Alumni Association. Sincerely, LRB Marketing LRB Marketing PARENT'S WEEKEND RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 15 FEBRUARY 2001 BACKGROUND The BYU Alumni Association is responsible for organizing and hosting alumni activities related to BYU. Its purposes are to build and maintain BYU Alumni relationships and further the mission ofBYU. Last year, BYU hosted an event called Parent's Weekend. Parent( s) had the opportunity to come to BYU to visit their student( s) and participate in several campus- provided activities. However, the number of participants was far less than hoped for. PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to determine why BYU's first attempt at Parent's Weekend was poorly attended. LRB hopes to find what changes need to be made to make the Parent's Weekend program successful in the future. DELIVERABLES LRB Marketing will provide the Alumni Association with the following information: Attitudes students and parents have towards Parent's Weekend. Students and parent's perceptions as to why Parent's Weekend had such low participation at BYU. Possible suggestions for changes that can be made to Parent's Weekend so there is more participation in the future. Suggestions may include time of year, activities involved, promotions, marketing, etc. LRB Marketing METHODOLOGY BACKGROUND RESEARCH To become familiar with the nature and objectives ofParent's Weekend, we will conduct background research in the following manner: Consult with Mr. Robison to become familiar with his experience with Parent's Weekend. Contact individuals at BYU- Idaho who are responsible for Parent's Weekend on their campus. LRB hopes to learn from this contact what factors make Parent's Weekend successful at BYU- Idaho. Factors such as how BYU- Idaho markets the program, what activities are involved, what effects the event has on the university, students, and parents, where parents are coming from, what time of year the event is held, etc. Contact other universities, such as UCLA, that host a parent's weekend and learn about their experience with the program. Discuss Parent's Weekend with past participants and find what their personal feelings are about the event. Examine research previously done by BYU and the Alumni Association for the first Parent's Weekend here at BYU. PRIMARY RESEARCH Primary information will be gathered through two focus groups and through two separate surveys - a written questionnaire for students and telephone interviews to the parents of students. . Focus groups - LRB will conduct focus groups to gain a better understanding of the perceptions students and parents have ofParent's Weekend. They will also be used to obtain insight on opinions students and parents might have as to what would improve Parent's Weekend. These focus groups will be held at a restaurant in Provo as compensation to the participants for their services. We will have eight to twelve students in each focus group. Surveys - LRB will use the University Communications system to administer a questionnaire to students via email, ifpermission is granted. This email will contain a hotlink to the site ofthe questionnaire. Students will be able to answer questions pertaining to Parent's Weekend through this site. Ifpermission for the email survey is not granted, LRB will administer questionnaires on campus to a quota sample of 300 students. 100 parents ofBYU students will be interviewed by telephone using the names, phone numbers, and facilities ofthe Alumni Association. LRB Marketing ANALYSIS LRB will compile all the research obtained from universities including BYU Idaho and BYU, as well as data from the parents and students. This information will be analyzed and recommendations for the future ofParent's Weekend will be determined. PRESENTATION The results and recommendations of this study will be compiled in a hard cover report. This report will be given along with a formal oral presentation to Reid Robison on April 10, 2001. Any other BYU faculty members or persons that MR. Robison feels would benefit from this presentation are invited to come. The presentation will be held at a location determined by LRB Marketing and Mr. Robison. SCHEDULE TASK DATE Meet with client. Begin background February 22,2001 research. Analyze research February 27,2001 Begin primary research February 28,2001 Conduct focus group # 1 March 6, 2001 Conduct focus group # 2 March 13,2001 Analyze information and create March 15, 2001 questionnaires Conduct all surveys March 16- 30,2001 Analyze data. Formulate recommendations April 3, 2001 Presentation April 10, 2001 LRB Marketing BUDGET Questionnaires ( if not online) 300 copies at $ 0.05/ pg $ 15.00 Questionnaire incentives ( if not online) 45.00 Focus Groups ( 2) 10 people each at $ 20. OO/ plate 400.00 Hard cover report ( 5 copies) 125.00 Presentation Food or refreshments - 25 people 25 people at $ 7.00/ person 175.00 Contingency 175.00 Total. $ 935.00 Donation to Business Management Department $ 500.00 LRB Markehng LEDER OF AGREEMENT LRB Marketing agrees to do the research as outlined in this proposal and to provide the results in a written and oral presentation. This presentation will be given to Reid Robison and others on April 12,2001. BYU's Alumni Association will request permission for LRB to use the University Communications system, and will provide LRB with the resources to conduct telephone interviews. The Alumni Association also agrees to pay all costs as outlined in the proposal. Any changes to this proposal will be approved by both Reid Robison and LRB Marketing. LRB Marketing accepts all responsibility for the research and results of this project. The Marriott School of Management and Dr. Ray Andrus will not be held liable for the research and analysis of this project. Approved: Reid Robison Alumni Association - LRB Marketing: sb ::::::/ 11 :' '"",:\ iJ ' !\{ 7 j" Laura Minor -,-..' I Brian Catmull LRB Marketing RESUMES' Laura Minor - Laura Minor, age 21, is from Austin, Texas. She is a senior majoring in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing and will graduate in April, 2001. She currently works at the BYU Testing Center and previously worked for Old Navy Clothing Co. for three years. Upon graduation Laura plans to work in retail management. Her hobbies include wakeboarding and boating, traveling, and spending time with her family. Rebecca Keddington - Rebecca Keddington is from Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a senior at Brigham Young University majoring in Business Marketing and will graduate April 2001. Rebecca is currently working for Dr. Todd B. Engen, an Ocular Plastic Surgeon, at Excel Eye Center in Orem. She is the Cosmetic Marketing Coordinator, and is responsible for all marketing related to Dr. Engen. Upon graduation, Rebecca plans to serve an eighteen month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter- Day Saints. Brian Catmull- Brian Catmull is a senior majoring in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing. He was recognized this semester by the Institute of Marketing in the Marriott School ofManagement at BYU with a scholarship for scholastic and professional accomplishments. For the past three years he has worked as the store manager for a local bookstore that generates approximately $ 1.7 million in revenue per year. In 1999, Brian received the Manager a/ the Year award ompeting with 15 other managers chain wide. After graduation Brian plans on pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities in the retail industry. Brian has been married for two and a half years and has a 16- month- old baby boy_ ApPENDIX B Focus GROUPS FOCUS GROUP # 1 SUMMARY INTRODUCTION On Wednesday, February 28, 2001, LRB Marketing held their first focus group. The focus group was held at the Wilkinson Student Center at BYU. Eight students were selected from various states throughout the country to openly discuss the topic of Parents' Weekend. Rebecca Keddington acted as moderator and Brian Catmull was responsible for recording the meeting. Dinner was served and students freely answered the following questions about Parents' Weekend. PARTICIPANTS 1. Female, 18, Waldorf, Maryland 2. Male, 21, Nampa, Idaho 3. Male, 18, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 4. Female, 22, St. Louis, Missouri 5. Male, 18, Seattle, Washington 6. Male, 24, Hemet, California 7. Female, 20, North Potomac, Maryland 8. Female, 22, Dallas, Texas COMMENTS 1. How do you feel about the idea of Parents' Weekend? It's a great idea, but maybe not for seniors because many seniors are married and have been on their own for a long time. The seniors may feel more independent from their parents and may not be interested in Parents' Weekend. Parents wouldn't fly out because of cost and time. Participant is a freshman and has never heard about parent's weekend. Not such a good idea. It's not " hip" to have parents here. Mom was interested in coming, but event was planned at a bad time of the year for her mom. Mom wasn't able to find information about the event either. She'd heard about it from a friend. Parent's wouldn't come because they already feel a tie with BYU. Parent's already trust what is going on at BYU - feel no need to come out and " check" on me. . Maybe other schools have been successful because majority of student's parents live closer to school. If it was more of a tradition, maybe students would want to go. One participant's parents received the invite one week before school started - not long enough to plan and prepare for event. 2. What is the best time of year for such an event? Beginning of September Beginning of September Beginning of October End of September Beginning of October, same time as Homecoming End of September, beginning of October Spring break time - End of March Late October Spring break Right after fall midterms Not in September because many students were just home with parents during the summer. 3. What activities should be included? Need to offer attractive speakers and not try to do so much outdoors type stuff. Get a General Authority to come speak. Prominent religious speakers because parents from out of state don't have frequent opportunities to hear from such caliber of spiritual speakers. People like Norm Nemrow are great, but need to be advertised better. Advertise the popular ones to draw a crowd. Get a professor that is involved in unique projects like the mummy studies or something else science related, etc. Have a variety of events parents can choose from including a play or concert. Do something that is unique for Parents' Weekend, not just an event that is already occurring at BYU. Make the parents feel like this is a special event. Plenty of free time to spend with students. Suggested that the word about the activities get out early so students can get excited and convince their parents that this is a cool thing to come to but that may take time to establish. 4. What is the best way to promote Parents' Weekend? Send information out at the time of Education Week or with Education week information because that's already a big draw for parents. Send a personalized, formal letter to parents inviting them to the event. Mention web site in bold in letter, and create site early. Start advertising six months in advance with frequent follow- ups. At least four more invitations/ reminders after first invite. Send letter with tuition billing statement. Don't mention anything in invitation about raising money. Provide discounts to hotels and restaurants in area. Email is not as effective because students are already getting too much " junk mail" that if the subject heading does not sound intriguing or important information is automatically deleted without viewing mail. CONCLUSION . Parent's Weekend has potential to be successful, but it has to be appealing to students. Tradition can influence that, more marketing may help, and more awareness of the event. Activities planned last year were pretty good for the most part, they just needed to be advertised better and needed to allow for more flexible/ free time. Students think activities that are unique and special to the event will be more successful, particularly a General Authority. Sporting events and cultural events are good, but are not the main draw. Parents come to visit students already so they need a greater reason to come out for Parents' Weekend - something that will make the trip worthwhile. Make Parents' Weekend important enough that parents will adjust schedules to come visit students at that particular time of year. Students mainly suggested that mid- end September, early October was the best time. Some suggestions for late March too. Because late September was the scheduled time for last years event, and the event was still not as well- attended as planned, students suggested that the reason may be mainly a lack of awareness, and lack of hype. Better planning and marketing may solve such a problem. The best way to notify people of Parents' Weekend is by a formal letter, and to get information out earlier with several follow- up invitations/ reminders. ' Students generally seemed to appear supportive of the idea. Only one participant strongly felt that the idea was a waste of time and money. FOCUS GROUP # 2 SUMMARY INTRODUCTION On Wednesday, March 7, 2001 a second focus group was held at the Wilkinson Student Center at BYU. Six students were selected from various states throughout the country to openly discuss the topic of Parents' Weekend. Brian Catmull acted as moderator and Laura Minor was responsible for recording the meeting. Dinner was served, and then the students freely answered the following questions about Parents' Weekend. PARTICIPANTS 1. Male, 23, Anchorage, Alaska 2. Male, 22, Fullerton, California 3. Female, 20, Troy, Michigan 4. Male, 22, Salt Lake City, Utah 5, Female, 19, Las Vegas, Nevada 6. Male, 24, Ohio COMMENTS 1. How do you feel about the idea of Parents' Weekend? Most students will probably want to participate. However, not everyone's parents will be able to come because of certain circumstances, so those students will feel left out by not having their parents there. It is a really good idea, especially if one or both parents are not members. They will really be able to feel the spirit at BYU. Mom went to the Rick's Parents' Weekend and loved it. She was able to participate in many things and got to see the real life at Rick's. It is a great idea for new students. The older students will probably not want to participate as much. 2. What are some good activities to include? Talk by a general authority BYU football game Homecoming- type activities ( parade) Musical or play Golf at Seven Peaks Leisure time 3. What is the best time of year for the event? During Y Week ( the week before school starts) Freshmen Orientation time Beginning of September Beginning of March Middle of March Whatever the time, it should be associated with something else, so the parents will have more of a reason to come 4. What would motivate more participation in Parents' Weekend? If Parents' Weekend was a tradition at BYU Peer Pressure on students to have their parents come Deals/ Discounts on hotels, travel, activities, etc. 5. What is the best way to advertise Parents' Weekend? Personal letter signed by President Bateman Endorsement by a prominent person Not a postcard, they are too impersonal Send a letter at least six months before the event and then follow up every few months with a reminder Make sure the letter is very informative and clearly explains the event Would you attend Parents' Weekend? Maybe Yes Yes Yes, it is a great idea Yes, if it is done right Yes, but it will take time to make it a tradition CONCLUSIONS Overall, the students felt that Parents' Weekend was a good idea and something they would probably attend. However, the time of year and activities planned must be appealing to them and their parents. Many students felt the beginning of the school year was good because parents were already coming out here to drop off their child and would like to see more of BYU at that time. The other half of the group thought March would be best because the students would be more familiar with BYU and could show their parents what they have done at BYU during the year so far. They also thought March would be good since BYU does not have a spring break and the chance to go home in March like many schools do, so their parents could come to BYU instead. The most popular activity was a talk by a general authority because parents from out of state rarely get that opportunity. Students also want to show their parents what " real life" is like at BYU and keep things pretty normal. The students all agreed that a personal letter was the best way to inform their parents about the event and that it must be sent early so they will have plenty of time to plan and prepare for it. The group felt that if Parents' Weekend was a tradition at BYU and all their friends' parents were coming, they would definitely want their parents to come too. e: ApPENDIX C QUESTIONNAIRES Parent Questionnaire Iinot likely II[ might attend Imore than Iikel f BYU were to present an event called Parents' eekend, where you and/ or your family could : I. come to BYU and participate in BYU sponsored ctivities with your student( s) for two or three a S, how likel would ou be to attend? [ would attend 8.04% 5 Please mark all of the following activities/ reasons 2 that would motivate you to attend Parents' Weekend. Question & Answer session with President 4.71% 100 & Sister Bateman Devotional or Fireside from a General 11.49% 244 Authority Talks from well- known LOS speakers or 10.36% 220 BYU professors BYU football game 9.23% 196 BYU basketball game 7.49% 159 BYU play, musical, or other performing 11.40% 242 arts event BYU sponsored dinner, luncheon, or 6.31% 134 breakfast 5k run 0.85% 18 Hike to the Y 2.36% 50 TCiocnkfeetrsetnoceGCeneenrtaelrCinonSfaelrteLnackeeat the 9.75% 207 . Other ( Please Specify) 0.99% 21 TTihcekaettrsetoin " STahlet TLaeksetaments" at the Legacy 5.280;' 112 Free time ( no activity scheduled) with 6.78% 144 4.47% 95 your student( s) Participate in the culture and your 8.530/ 0 181 student( s) educational experience at BYU Opportunity to bring a prospective BYU student to campus lease rank the following items from the most , ompelling ( 1) to the least compelling ( 7) reason ! You would attend Parents' Weekend. Rank Qrder Com lex Numeric Data) 4 How do you prefer the activities at Parents' Weekend to be structured? 58.01% 181 6 Several activities to choose from whose 41.350/ 0 129 schedules might overlap Fewer, higher quality activities whose schedules do not overlap Other ( Please Specify) 0.64% 2 5 What is, the best month ( for you as a parent) to hold Parents' Weekend? I beginning of the month 46.40% 129 middle of the month 19.78% 53 9.70% 26 6.34% 17 August ( coordinated with new student orientation) September October ( coordinated with General Conference) October ( coordinated with Homecoming) 2.61% 7 January 49.25% 132 February 6.72% 18 March 5.60% 15 Please ranI( the following methods of notifying you 9 of Parents' Weekend from the most effective ( 1) to east effective 5. Rank Order ( Comp- Iex Numeric Data) What would prevent you from coming to BYU to 10 participate in Parents' Weekend? ( check all that apply) travel expenses 23.41 / 0 144 lodging expenses 12.52 / 0 77 lack of interesting activities 10.57 / 0 65 Parents' Weekend is not a tradition at BYU 1.30 / 0 8 Other ( Please Specify) 9.27 10 57 time constraints 42.93 / 0 264 111Please check all that applv. i- f currently- have one student at BYU t6.41 / 0 '! la9 [ currently have more than one student at tl. 3.52% 31 BYU I I[ am a BYU alumnus BO. 44 / 0 : 295 I My first child to attend BYU is currently 9.49 10 2 attending - ... IMY last child that will attend BYU is iJ. 43% 172 currently- attending - I will have more children attending BYU In 2.70% 220 the future 12Any comments about the idea of Parents' Weekend would be very useful and appreciated. Text Input ( No Numeric Data) i id ou attend Parents' Weekend last ear? es 2.49 / 0 8 ....., no 97.51 / 0 313 14Should BYU host a Parents' Weekend? yes no 15What is our zi code? 90.82 / 0 267 9.18 10 27 l ..._ a:=. oo....,....."--------- Text Input ( No Numeric Data) Student Questionnaire - 1 IWould you be-' interestedin having your parent( s) visit Ifor a weekend during the scho. ol year? '" I I es 1'] 7.66% 1285 ..! ho If22.34% 82 If BYU held a Parents' Weekend where your parent( s) came and spent the weekend with you while 2 participating in BYU sponsored activities of your choice, what do you feel your participation level would be? Question & Answer session with President & 2.82% Sister Bateman little to no participation 18.96% 69 some participation 46.70% 170 significant participation 27.75% 101 full participation 6.59% 24 lease mark all of the following activities that would motivate ou to Rartici ate in Parents' Weekend. BYU football game 9.75% Talks from well- known LOS speakers or BYU .15 10 grofessors 227 242 186 262 54 1 111 10 244 Devotional or Fireside from a General 11.89% 295 uthorit BYU sgonsored dinner, luncheon, or breakfast 10.24 / 0 Sk run =========== = 1.65 / 0 Hike to the Y 4.47% other Please 5 eci ) 0.40% ----- Tickets to liThe Testaments" at the Legacy 9.830/ 0 Theatre in Salt La k...;.;; e:-- __ _ !!!!!!=:= B== Y U;= b=; a;:::: s=::::: k= et== b= a=: 1Ia= m= e::==:====::::=-==:== =;::;;= il';;.:; 500/ 0 BYU play, musical, or other performing arts 10.560/ 0 event ree time ( no activity sc" heduled) with your arent s Wickets to General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake 28 11 4 How do you prefer the activities at Parents' Weekend to be structured? 161 9 194 44.23% 53.30% old Parents' Weekend? Several activities to choose from whose schedules might overlap Fewer, higher quality activities whose schedules do not overlap Other ( Please Specify) 2.47% hat would be the best month ( for you as a 6 beginning of the month middle of the month end of the month What time of year do you think PI e the most successful? gust ( coordinated with new student ."-""'-=- 56.32% 27.59% 16.09% August ( coordinated with new student 18.62% 65 orientation) September 8.02% 28 october ( coordinated with General 3.72% 13 Conference) october ( coordinated with Homecoming) 6.88% 24 January 27.51% 96 February 7.74% 27 March 27.51% 96 ! I ase rank the following method 9 rents' Weekend from the mo.$ t ffectlve 5 ank Order C'O oCheck all of the following reasons why you might not' 1 want to participate in Parents' Weekend. Time constraints 46.03% 261 It's not really " cool" to have your parents visit 4.59% 26 parents' Weekend is not a tradition at BYU 4.94% 28 Not applicable ( I would probably participate in 10.580/ 0 60 parents' Weekend) other ( Please Specify) 14.29% 81 Lack of interesting activities 19.58% 111 ....,.:;,.: __....:.-...:. T-= ext==-:: I::.:..:. np- ut ( No Numeric Data 12Year in school? 20.94% 76 24.52% 89 20.39% 74 33.88% 123 0.28% 1 -----.,.....,..--.--.....------ = male female Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Graduate 13 ender? 14Marital status? married single f married do ou have children? 19.44% 70 80.56% 290 RAw DATA FROM QUESTION # 3 ON PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE, " PLEASE RANK THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES FROM THE MOST COMPELLING ( I) TO THE LEAST COMPELLING ( 7) REASON YOU WOULD ATTEND PARENTS' WEEKEND." .- Question: Please rank the following items from the most compelling ( 1) to the least compelling ( 7) reason you would attend Parents' Weekend. 1. Tickets to " The Testaments" ( 2.66) ( 5.45) ( 9.17) ( 15.34) ( 18.85) ( 23.18) ( 25.28) at the Legacy 9 17 30 48 59 70 90 Theatre in Salt Lake 2. Freetime ( no activity ( 13.91) ( 14.42) ( 9.17) ( 13.74) ( 12.46) ( 12.25) ( 23.03) scheduled) with your 47 45 30 43 39 37 82 student( s) 3. Tickets to General Conference ( 23.08) ( 16.35) ( 18.04) ( 12.46) ( 7.03) ( 13.25) ( 9.55) at the Conference 78 51 59 39 22 40 34 Center in Salt Lake 4. BYU ( 2.07) ( 6.73) ( 11.62) ( 16.61) ( 23.32) ( 25.17) ( 15.73) basketball 7 21 38 52 73 76 56 game 5. BYU ( 10.06) ( 15.38) ( 18.65) ( 16.61) ( 13.42) ( 14.24) ( 12.08) football game 34 48 61 52 42 43 43 6. General Authority ( 16.86) ( 28.85) ( 22.63) ( 15.02) ( 10.22) ( 2.98) ( 3.93) speaker 57 90 74 47 32 9 14 7. Participate in the culture and your student( s) ( 31.36) ( 12.82) ( 10.70) ( 10.22) ( 14.70) ( 8.94) ( 10.39) educational 106 40 35 32 46 27 37 experience at BYU lidi8IJ] IiITBlJ] MiI8l]] \- .. J RAw DATA FROM QUESTION # 9 ON STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE, " PLEASE RANK THE FOLLOWING METHODS OF NOTIFYING YOU OF PARENTS' WEEKEND FROM THE MOST EFFECTIVE( l) TO LEAST EFFECTIVE." 1-. 1- "' Constant Sum / Rank Order I Question: Please rank the following methods of notifying you of Parents' Weekend from the most effective ( 1) to least effective ( 5). 1. formal ( 58.33) ( 21.43) ( 12.14) ( 4.68) ( 4.34) letter 210 78 46 17 16 2. postcard ( 6.39) ( 39.29) ( 38.26) ( 9.37) ( 5.96) 23 143 145 34 22 3. email ( 30.00) ( 31.32) ( 29.02) ( 6.34) ( 3.25) 108 114 110 23 12 4. flyers distributed ( 1.67) ( 4.40) ( 11.35) ( 50.41) ( 32.25) 6 16 43 183 119 on campus 5. Daily Universe ( 3.61) ( 3.57) ( 9.23) ( 29.20) ( 54.20) ads 13 13 35 106 200 lliiiEI]] IiliI8r! J \. ,,) RAw DATA FROM QUESTION # 9 ON PARENT QUES110NNAlRE, " P ERANKTHEFOLLO NGMETHODSOFNanFnNGYOU OF PARENTS' WEEKEND FROM THE MOST EFFECTIVE ( 1) TO THE LEAST EFFECTIVE ( 5)." 1-. 1- , Constant Sum / Rank Order I Question: Please rank the following methods of notifying you of Parents' Weekend from the most effective ( 1) to least effective ( 5). 1. formal ( 44.48) ( 27.55) ( 16.67) ( 8.14) ( 2.11) letter 149 89 53 25 7 2. phone ( 2.69) ( 7.12) ( 11.01) ( 40.72) ( 39.46) call 9 23 35 125 131 3. postcard ( 8.36) ( 25.08) ( 40.25) ( 20.52) ( 6.93) 28 81 128 63 23 4. your student( s) ( 4.18) ( 10.53) ( 13.84) ( 23.78) ( 47.59) infonnsyou 14 34 44 73 158 5. email ( 40.30) ( 29.72) ( 18.24) ( 6.84) ( 3.92) 135 96 58 21 13 \. ./ -- ApPENDIX D OPEN- ENDED QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES PARENT RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 12, " ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE IDEA OF PARENTS' WEEKEND WOULD BE APPRECIATED." 1. I am unclear what the purpose of parents weekend is. Let the students have an extra day off and come home early at christmas or easter rather than flooding BYU with a lot of parents. It is a big inconvenience to the students whose parents don't attend. I found the best time for my parents to visit was when I graduated. 4. I think it would be most helpful to have part ofthe weekend geared toward an orientation. Specifically, I have children in High School who are interested in attending the Y. It would be of significant interest to me to attend a seminar during parent's weekend that addressed the topic, " Things you need to know if you have a child interested in attending BYU". The seminar could cover such things as what are the entrance criteria and what should our child do to better position themselves for admittance, what programs are available for housing, what type of programs may be available for those with learning disabilities, how could my handicapped child participate at BYD" etc..... 5. I live in Provo, have 2 degrees from BYU. 4 ofmy 5 children will have attended BYU by next year. I work at BYU. All ofthe incentives for Parents' Week are already available to me. So, I am not interested in a specific time for parents. Ifmost parents came for joint activities, I would participate. 9. I think i is a wonderful idea. We have been blessed to attend previous Rick's Mothers Weeks and loved 1t. 12. It sounds fun, but the expense ofcoming from Alaska would probably prohibit it for me. It already is har on my daug ter that her roommates parents have visited. I wonder if this would be one more t1me for my chtld to feel homesick, when " everyone" else has a parent there? I'm not saying don't have it, but I do wonder. 13. The program would need to combine comp lling conten with an op nity to be of otivational value and support to one ofmy children. That 1S would the VISit be for me of to : pport them. The latter is more compelling to me that the former. 15. Good Idea; Needs to be publicized 17 I love going to Rick's and being with my student there. I love the activities they plan. We ha e attended most all ofthem each year. 22. We live in Provo, so it is not as inviting as it might otherwise be. 24. Those that work need time that would span over the weekend. 30. The benefit would be in cementing the BYU experience for the whole family, something they are able to share. 31. We are probably not good ones to ask, since cross- country travel just for an event such as this is too time- consuming and costly. 32. I was asked to perform at parent's weekend last year, as I just released an inspirational CD but was unable because ofa prior commitment and late notice. I would love to be involved ifI knew ahead oftime. My email ismwbaer@ uswest. netandmywebsiteissdgmusic. net. where my son's A Cappella group is also featured. He will be attending BYU next year, as well as my daughter who is currently in University singers. Sounds like a great weekend idea. Sincerely, Michele Baer 40. It would have been nice to talk timeframe. I was particularly interested in having younger children attend as well to see what older brothers/ sisters are doing at BYU so they may be influenced to attend. Actually, the time ofthe month makes no difference to me, but I had to pick one. 50. Did not receive any notice ofthe Parent's weekend until received BYU Mag last week 51. Homecoming week- end is ? est; general conference week- end is second best; [ I have made the trip to Provo from Oregon m recent years for Homecoming, but not last year. 1found the Homecoming activities for parents were not worth the cost, time and effort in 1999. 1hope there will be more than a night of music geared forthe elderly. 54. Freshman and new student parents would benefit more and be more excited about this than I am I do like late September because we found it gave us a chance to see if the kids were actually ng their books before midterms :-) And it gave us a handle on their living, church and lassrooIl1 environments so we could be better parents... shouldn't this be the purpose ofa Parent's eekend.. so parents can be supportive and understanding ofthe life oftheir child? 1wouldn't come based on just a vacation.. it would have to help me be a better parent. 56 We live only 45 minutes away from BYU so to attend a week or weekend away would . bably not be an option. However, I think it would be great for those who are living away and :-; uld like to spend some extra time with their students. 58 StrUcture so that both freshman and upper classmen will be able to spend time with their . ts taking them to their classes, activities, and wards paren 65 I have a Junior in High School who is being solicited by many colleges. It was not clear until last question that this event was for Parents ofexisting students!! 69 Prefer sporting/ cultural events that are uniquely BYU Vs firesides/ devotionals that we can participate in through the Church satellite broadcasts. Also some unstructured free time and attendance at classes and other on campus events would be preferred. 72. We would love a Parents' Weekend! We would prefer it after our students get settled in ( not in August, for example), and not to coincide with major events like conference or homecoming. These events make it too crowded to enjoy the experience with our students. 73. Don't do it. 74. Three days might be nice, but not necessary, due to time and cost involved. Possibly start on Friday morning with an opening assembly, allow parents time to attend children's classes, if desired, have an activity that night, then go to a football game Saturday afternoon. That would provide the university opportunities to discuss important matters with parents, while giving them time to be with their children. 76. I think it would have to be in conjunction with something else in order to bring parents from '! ery far. l2. I think it is a good idea, would like conference weekend but that time does get taken up with : onference, the most practical for traveling is when they start school as we already might be lringing them... but for them they are not settled in and so it isn't like you can see what they IOnnally do because they aren't doing it! and they if they are freshman they don't know ! Dyone... so I could see Feb. as a possible good time.. . ifthey did have a parents weekend it '! ould be goo ifteac ers didn't require a lot of studying that weekend for the students ... you loo't want to JeopardIZe the students study time... 3 sorry not to answer everything. mostly i don't care too much. i live in utah valley and spend e and culture and events there already. question: is it worth the time and expense to do it???? r would the energies be better spent elsewhere? 4 This might be something of interest to those who live out of state, but being a resident of r Vaney, it's not likely I would have as much interest in attending Parents' Weekend. 5. My son is. now on a mission. I would have attended Parents' Weekend last year if! had loWO about It. ) r . TnJ. a . ve you considered coordinating it with April Conference? ( better weather than October) 7 Depending on the popularity, maybe parents could attend class with their student. The focus . arent who is an alumni would be different from someone who did not attend BYU. October . a 6usy month, however, there is still enthusiasm plus good weather, plus the student has settled a routine. Girls seem to like this type activity more than guys. Try and target minority Ildents who may not have had as much exposure to the school. Have copies ofa video for sale the BY{] experience-- ones used for recruiting. Provide a program oftalent that would impress ents SO they come away saying-- our child made the right choice. You as an institution ought the reasons and objectives you have for sponsoring such an event ( rank them I through 7) hat has worked for other schools. I was involved at the U. S. Naval Academy with a similar fort. . I like the idea, but having to travel from Michigan to attend is the biggest problem for my o e and I. The expense oftravel and the watching ofmy smaller children ( I still have 5 at borne three at BYU or on a mission leave from BYU). . Personally, it isn't something that we would be that interested in. Time constraints would obably prevent us from attending regardless ofwhen it was held-- Unless it was a minimal eDt such as a dinner & talk on a Fri or Sat. night. 95. I have small children still at home. Maybe when they are at BYU I would come to parents eekend but visiting my other relatives in Utah is a higher priority right now for my limited tim I can see my kids then. 96. As stated earlier, we are both graduates; six other children have graduated from BYU. It is a onderful place, but we have experienced it and still do as circumstances warrant and time permits. 100. I think this would be a very good and wonderful thing to do I would love to see how my Old is doing is school and what the teachers think they could do differently so they could get better grades. Thanks for you time to do this! ! ] 02. Simplify. 104. live to far away 107. If held in coordination with General Conference, it should be a Parent's week! 109. Football game and/ or concert would be good. If in the winter, then a basketball game would good. 10. parents' Weekend, expression seems to lack something... 11. Let me represent those that won't take the time to say: I couldn't care less whether you hold . or not, so long as you use no tithing funds or tuition funds to subsidize it. It should be comPletely self- sustaining! 12 The focus in August should be on the student. October/ General Conference could be ni it would be a nightmare to host both parents weekend and homecoming so close together. It auld be very nice to have an excuse to tour campus and sample some classes or speakers. - n't kDow you had a parent's weekend last year. 117. I wasn't aware ofthis activity. I would love to spend time with my BYU students. 22. parents weekend has been held at UCSD for many years. Consider contacting them abou . success. 23. This could be a very interesting idea. You might have to spread it out iftoo many people w interest. You might have one session for people who live in Utah and one for people who e far to travel. We live in Australia so there would have to be a tie in to Conference to justi h an expensive trip. I would be concerned about lodging costs in Provo iftoo many people come. 126. I feel that I know enough about BYU that I dont attend parent's weekend. I already attend october and April General Conference and make a point of spending time with my children I appreciate the opportunity to attend sports or cultural events on campus with my children, only do so when I already have a business trip or conference trip planned. An additional trip difficult due to time and travel expense constraints. 127. I think it would be more " special" to those who live farther away from BYU. I'm only 30 mi away sO I can visit anytime. 129. I have attended 4 Mothers' Weeks at Ricks and liked very much the way it is organized. no. GeI1eral Conference is too busy a weekend to have a Parents' Weekend. We live on the east coast and need more notice than people living in Utah. 131. Should tie it into the monthly CES fireside or a Tuesday devotional 134. For me, it is not valuable since I work here and see my children all the time - even those o don't live with me. If I lived or worked away it would be an entirely different story, 135. While I was a student at BYU in the early 1970' s, I invited my mother and my grandmother 10 attend a couple of classes with me for their own interest and experience. They considered it a privilege and talked about it for years as one oftheir most cherished memories. I also as a parent noW ofa BYU student, have attended a class with my daughter, and will remember it a special experience for me for a long time to come. 136. The idea appeals to me; however, I am a public schoolteacher in the state ofGeorgia' ouner is the best time for me. 37. Doing spiritual an'!! or educational activities with a son or daughter is one ofthe most enjoyable ways I can think ofto spend my time on earth. 138. Time and travel expenses would be our biggest reason for not attending. However if could also have the privilege ofattending General Conference at the same time, we could justi exPense and the. difficulty making the long trip. 149. While I like the idea, when we do visit our children at BYU we seldom have an tim bu . ' t a few things with them. So I don't know involved we'd be in a Parents Weekend. But it' Vl5t nice idea. 152. We have attended such an event at the Air Force Academy when our oldest son as th e tried not to miss. 54. I have one personal leave day offwork a year. I try to come to BYU Homecoming the be t I can afford to come. That would be the only time I have off 61. Even though our student is now married, we still would enjoy seeing the BYU of his experience. He and his wife would be amenable to showing us around. 62. We live 1 hour away from the BYU campus... a Parents' Weekend is not a high priority but having an activity or 2 to share with our student( s) might be fun. 163. our son, a BYU student is currently on a mission. 164. The entire family lives in Utah County within blocks of each other. We are cougar Club embers, have season tickets for football, basketball, and the theater. We attend these events as a family to include spouses and friends. BYU is a big part of our lives and every weekend is parents ( kids) weekend. 168 I think it is a great idea; the only thing that would keep me from attending is the distance lloOo miles) that I live from BYU. 169. Very long notice is required for out- of- state parents. AS much as a year in advance we bedule vacations and trips. 70. The more sporting events ( including women's soccer) the weekend of the event, the better... 171. I didn't know there was a parent's weekend last year! 175. I have attended Mother's Week at Ricks on 5 different occasions. It is marvelous. I hope ou will pattern Parents weekend after their program. It is the best! 76. DO it in conjunction with other stuff Don't make it that big ofa deal. There are always great thingS going on - just kee parents informed and have a " Parents el ome" policy y round. ybe instead ofa fixed time, make a " Parents Coupon Book" WIth tIckets lIke " free lee cream" free cultural event", " free classroom visit", " free swim", " free sacrament meeting in a student ard" ( just kidding), " 25% offBYU bookstore", etc. Maybe have a welcome center with ' ntef'active displays, and welcome from the Pres., etc. Don't make a bunch offoofoo. We are wooed to death. 181. MY wife has attended the " Mothers Week" at Ricks in the past and loved it. 185. We parents. who live a long distance away from Provo would prefer parent week to be w n deop off or pick up our students from BYU. Money is an important consideration too as ba e a very low Canadian dollar right now. We can not afford to stay in US for long. 190. I personally think the idea ofParents' Weekend is very appealing. As indicated above th y thing that would be difficult for us would be constraints oftime and other family andlor obligations that might prevent us from participating. 91. don't like barbie & ken dolls 95. I thiJlk it is a great idea, I just worry about traffic and accommodations. 200. This is a good idea for all the reasons cited in the survey. Living in connecticut complicat attc ing. 201. paren't weekend needs to be informative to the parents and students. Infonnation that can be . en in written form does not need to be orally given. Make sure the time spent is constructive that questions are answered. The time must be well used so that parents and students feel that was time well spent. The child should be able to get an idea of what the campus experience . I be like as well. We enjoyed parent's weekend, but our situation ( and I imagine others might also) is having . children in the area and the need to spend time with all our family in Provo, as well as BVU activities with our current student. The weather was very poor for the football game ( as I emember) and we ended up attending women's volleyball which was very enjoyable. We would ike to have attended some classes with our student. 209. Sounds like a great idea: I'm not sure I'd like to fight the congestion ofconference or meeorning weekends for airfare and car rentals, but October would be the best. 2 o. Sounds great for those close enough to be able to enjoy it. II. My wife has attended Mother's week at Ricks and always thoroughly enjoyed it. 216 I would have enjoyed the opportunity to attend such an event throughout the years of our ' Idren atten in BYU.. Do . it for other parents so that they can get a feel for what a wonderful place their chtld IS expenencmg. 217 It vvould be helpful to have it over a three day weekend so that we could attend activiti 5 on ndaY, Saturday, and Sunday, and go home on Monday 218 It's a good idea, but it favors those families who live close to Utah. The drive to and from BY{; is tOO long for us to do in a weekend. 219. Let do it whatever appeals to the most parents. 220. MY last child that will attend BYU graduated in August 2000 oue to the distance that we live from Provo we are only able to come to Utah once a . 222. are only able to be at BYU when we bring our student to school in August. We did att ':: s new student orientation activities when we brought our son to BYU two years ago( oo a . ' on now). We enjoyed those events and look forward to participating in them with our daJgtrter this August. Perhaps it might be to much to add more activities to the new student oneman'on but that is the only time that we would consider, and be able, to panicipate in a ents' Weekend type of activity. 4. I would love to see BYU have this event. It would be something I would look forward to each year. I have three children there now and one more coming in the fall. Hopefully two more d to come in the future. I love BYU and take every opportunity I can to come visit even though live far away. 226. Other universities have always had a parents weekend and been successful. BYU is unique . that with conference weekends twice a year many families come then. Also with BYU football y come to a game and see their children then. So I don't think that is as pressing to have the activity as at other universities. 228. As Bishop ofa middle class suburban ward in Colorado, I have been amazed at how great need for parenting skills is. It isn't being taught in Relief Society any more, and our members are hungry for it-- especially parents of young children and teens. Time constraints and busyness it difficult for people to take time to get this education. I believe there is a great need for it. One thing we le ned from doing ward parenting class is that the best part ofthe class was giving parents time to diSCUSS and learn from each other. 232 We can go to BYU anytime we want, and the concept ofa Parents' Weekend holds no over what we might be able to obtaining from a BYU visit on our own terms. 235. My parents live in Provo so I would be more interested in visiting them while in Provo 237. Living on the east coast makes any trip to Utah something of an inconvenience. I would ally like to coordinate such a trip with another activity. ( E. g. General Conference MAC ational Advisory Committee meeting, etc.) I also still have two children living at home who are : secondary chools, which means that I take them out of sch ol to come, or. they would n to left with fhends. Church members are few and far between In the east, which makes leaVln . dren near school and able to attend seminary is difficult. 240. Please schedule so parents of continuing students as well as freshman will have a reason to atteod 244. It's not that I wouldn't like to, it's that I have cancer, so I am not able to attend right no 245. Ifit was held with Conference parents could also attend mission reunions. 246 As an elementary school teacher, August and September are out ofthe question ( Ne .1Cb1O ol year.) It would be easier to take personal time later in the year or during winter seme 247. I live in Orem, but would still be interested. My 2 older children have graduated from I hope my younger 3 will as well. I have a BA and an MBA from BYU. 249. Do it with General Conference tickets provided and e will definite) attend. 255. We would enjoy attending some ofour students classes. 258. We would love to participate in this event. We ouJd likJ to knobat po did th students gave on this idea. 261. I'd be glad to go if my daughter wanted me to. She aJread kno the campu . I d n't kn that I'd be of any help to her. 263. I think that Parent's Weekend is a great id but it is not reali ' c to think that m hu band and I would fly across country to attend. One of us usuall out h th and ends to help settle matters--- these are probably not the tim to ha We go to BYU for performances our children are involved with. e he fi all attended BYU ( One begins this coming year). Iftbere bad prospective students I would have come with my high school what BYU has to offer. We love BYU! 265. The concept is a good one. I think you will get more respo if held in conjunction with either conference or homecomin I think mo September-- when the kids have been gone for a month or so. That timin freshman ( i. e., reduces homesickness). 266. Having been to Parent/ Student activities at other institution enjoyable. Having a choice between many small e nu' mo mentioned for last year. I don't remember seeing an notifi 267. Would probably never be viewed as the onl Provo. Ifthe weekend happened to be at the same tim reason, it might work. To take the time, arrange bab'ylAttlen. much to tackle for any perceived value. Ifwe Ii eel 268. In the past, I've attended Ricks College parent weclkead, only problem was that the popular classes filled up qui events to attend. Many events to choose & om. d IDOltiYllle weekend i 271. I was not aware ofParent's Weekend I 275. Since it is our tithing that runs OYU I fiDd it Mrd attend a Church paid for program. I find it bard to accept _ v. I." BYU, ofwhom any " Church Employee' " childreD ....... lIiaally are better than the rest ofthe members? In & ct. I fiDd' ill'aeuilllllY " Church Employees" and their work ethic. Ha seems to be an " air" about so many " Church Employees ofsuperiority and not he in t II guidelines or for that matter walk the gray line of keeping the commandm n , In I find myself now cheering on whatever school is playing B . I don think B i it u t and quite frankly I find it hard to be around so man oftho 0 du t m th CANNOT STAND THE ARROGANCE!!! I would think about pu I more. You are giving the Church a reputation not to be proud of. It i p in those times where there are so many lifting themsel es abo oth 278. I did not know you had Parents' Weekend last year, Ho did reference to the fact that Parents' Weekend is not a tradition at B it is at many universities. 281. I can't see the benefit for anyone other than the para1 attending for the first time.... and then only if the paren tbetnS4 VC S attended. 285. I attended Parents weekend last year and just 10 ed bein on m BYU was a wonderful experience for me both becau both m h band d I because it was so wonderful to enjoy some ofthe aeti ': ti ' th our childr n h students. I highly recommend you continue doing this. 293. Although the last of my children have completed their attended.. the other went to UVSC), my first grandchild ' II of2002. I would hope you would include grandparent 11 would have a difficult time leaving their younger children duri other might be able to make the effort. I am close enough that m in their place, and the student would be almost as bapp to ha Parents week sound like an el( cellent activity! 295. Let's give it a try. Should stay away from I ( I Au school. 298. 1. The " what" is more important that the feel like it's an irreversible decision. 2. I would t the way of student services/ counseling, etc. forum hear brief presentations from many different fa members academically, scientifically, in the world of made last fall, but the complaint I heard professors ( conflicting times, located aao with all presentations taking place back to attend last year because we were out ofthe COllllby always attends Homecoming and usually COnfierelllCie too big. Pre- conference, for instance, eliminat Ootball1blutetbill the parents' focus. Might as well do it big and ' carpet for visiting parents. Preferred parki CO\ lenld VtI'alkWl'V. \\ rbllt weather is an issue in the winter. Make them fl 306. Holding Parents' Weekend in September when the famil budg i still lin expense ofgetting students to Provo and getting them started in school d n't male n t m Also, my prime reason for coming to Parents' weekend ould be to ' it ith m hild d I ju t said goodbye the end of August. Aren't there parents' acti ' ti aJ d pi M f4 r ri nt ti n time in the fall. Traveling to and from Provo is a major expense for our limit bud d I It that the notification we had of last years' program was ery last minut . H ha t for such a major thing. Schedule it far in advance and publicize it It 3 1 1. I don't think many parents who live outside Utah will come unl connection with some other major event- orientation, homecomin in 3 12. Only the wealthy will be able to afford this e ent. Becau students will feel left out and/ or parents who can't afford it mi that their student doesn't feel excluded. th d t t 314. The idea is good. The expense and time required to pani ip t unlikely we would participate. m i hi n m it 315. Rick's college used to hold a " Mother's Wee II hich j couple of times. We had great speakers and went with the studen church meetings... I think it provides a very useful link for t well as adding support for BYU. 317. I have attended Mother's week- end at Rick 011 enjoyed it immensely. h STUDENT RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 1 1 " ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE IDEA OF PARENTS' WEEKEND WOULD BE APPRECIATED." 6. I think that it is a good idea., but I think that it should be something II- planned that i n " cheesy" so that people will be more inclined to participate. 1De big chaJlen e will th idea that it's not " cool" to have your parents come visit for Parents' almo m i m people feel like their in high school again. I think that the best y to do it would to tickets to General Conference so that people can participate in Corm W nd and hi! they're here, do the Parents' Week activities. 8. I think it would be great! 17. I think it is a great idea. I haven't heard of it before in m time at B happening. I think that staying accommodations would be one oftile bi not come. Id 20. I think that once you get past the freshman year it IS cool t ha 26. If you keep the activities away from the freshman orientation towards concerts or lectures, I think that parents will enjo it more. 36. Lots ofluck andm 40. I think if more people knew about it it would be. 41. General Conference weekends are usuall mi . and January, students are still adjusting to their SCheduleS. time runs from February to early March. Final projectl5fDliD midllate March. The fall is much too busy all around ( lllUltsgilvin& ccmflftl'CC. that the 2nd week in March is the best time. Time constraints work, so it would be ideal ifmy paren hid the ODCJOn me around to my classes and my job. 42. I'm graduating, but when I wu in my have my parents come see my life. 1be activibl: S wonderful experiences to share with them. 43. I know Ricks college bu. mom idea to have my parents come up here both ofthem are alumni ofBYU, 1Dd the campus again. 44. have often wondered why we don't have something like Parents' Weekend here. It would be wee to have some musical recitals during this time. 50. I think it would be a great thing. I was just commenting about how I wish that we had on like Ricks. It would give me an excuse to get my parents to come visit me. 51. yes, last sem., for the first parent's weekend, my parent's came out and we had aton offun together- i think that as a freshman, everyone is trying to adapt to things, but II the same tim it is always nice to have your parent's come to visit at least once your first year and thi i a opportunity to do so when there are special activities planned- besid they can hear from president ofBYU about having us at BYU, which was really good they said... 56. scrap it 66. How about a " no parents" weekend, were our pareats cant call or write or " t to u . 71. I would love to have my parents come out and spend day or with on 8 80. I think having my parents come is agreat idea, even though they are ani It would be fun to have them around for a weekend. 81. I think this is a great idea, but shouldn't be put at a tim in cI to Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. 86. Parent's weekend sounds like it might be a good idea for fielhID4. \ IIrhrn much about collegeIBYU ( ie those who are the first in . famir me I wouldn't be interested in participating. Ifmy panlIIII come to Provo they would just want to spend the time . a good idea for a small portion ofthe BYU studeat body probably wouldn't be interested in participatiDa. 89. Where would they stay? Any way to make it ct.... 90. Where would they stay? 99. I think it sounds AWESOMEIII The only prot, 1em six sets of parents staying in our little IPIrtm- 101. I have always wished that we bid IOIIlICldJliDI- " be graduating now, but I thiDk tbII ... l! IJIi1we far away and they only come to viIit have a special weekend for thole fami . years that their student is in attendance, ......... year. Personally I have my mother there were structured activities to _ .... highlight ofher life. 102. It would be good for the people whose parents are close by. but what are the student' whose parents are far away such as Internationals going to do? 105. My parents attended last parent weekend. but there was not enoup information . think if it is promoted better that more parents would be willing to come. Also ifbu in discount tickets that weekend it would cost less for parents 107. Would be nice to coordinate discount travel packages with air fare and P to an email to the parents and see if they are interested in coming. Would be ood to ha off school so could spend more time with family. 1 13. Ifyou had it at the beginning ofthe school year ( August) then mo ofthe paren will probably be freshman. If you do it too close to Thanksgiving. Christmas. or the fthe h year ( April) then parents won't be as likely to come because they ' U probabl children fairly soon and it might not be worth the money to come out. I think UCncrai time is a great time to have it because if parents had the oppoItUDi to attend their children that would be an amazing experience. I think thi is a id friends already have a " parent's weekend" during the year. 116. Don't waste trees 122. I think it is unnecessary because many parents come up to Utah an throu year and I don't think having this extra weekend activity Id cnii'Ctl1VC! 128. I think this is a great idea. 13 1. When I was at Ricks there was mother's week and it and my mom came every year. There were a van ofaetlVl1t1C1 just a lot offun. 140. I'm not really sure where my parents would activities wouldn't suit my parents. KnowiDa IDOI_ are, will help me give my parents a reason to well, so devotionals and conferences aren't intenllliDl 143. If parents weekend could be like educatioD would be helpful 149. Don't do it the first month oCtbe__.. introduce them to our new friends. and iD the people. November or March are ideal bec: aull ....... someone to show off their parents to. tt it 156. It might be a good idea for but sound all that exciting. 159. See answer to previous question. What is the point ofhaving parents' w nd 168. I think that it's ideal for parents that live in Utah but for 0Ibers it would be p The only time my parents come up is at the beginning oftbe school year to h Ip but I don't know if that would be good for all students. 179. I think that more freshman would be interested but that is just speculation 182. It's a good idea, but less feasible for non- locals. 184. Letters notifying parents ofall the activities and getting them cited d them to come. 186. I wouldn't participate because I don't think it would be with my parents especially when I could be with my friends- Ho want their parents to visit them so it's a good activity for them 187. Maybe offering reduced airfare through group niles planned b Also, staying away from months with lots ofhomework ( ie. 0 189. I think a parents weekend would be nice. Of my PIIfI" it would be fun to have them here so they get an idea ofwhat rm do' fun for them, it would be good to make it maybe one eveotfuI CWllUDlo lIl" yt performance or a meal or something. Also, I know my parents participate if they received a formal invitation ( probably DOt in Parents of.. " because they usually ignore those by if it didn come. 191. I would not coordinate it with new student orilentllion, becliuJe time to start to get to know everyone and to make the adj COlI. there, it will be harder to get to meet many people bec: aulle them before they have to leave and you start 1Cb00I 194. I think it would be wonderful, I think fiDaI . otTgeneral conference weekend anywaY' I . dra . 197. I would really enjoy the opportunity to 207. The weekend would be the most IUCCIIldW school year. 209. Ifthe idea ofParents' Weekend' to then my parents would not be interested ad have other children attending BYU. They lot ofBYU parents. 210. Parents and students are very busy. Ifit takes place. it should be at time when parent would want to come down anyway. Activities should be early in the day 10 stud can with their friends at night. Or ifthey want, spend quality time with parents. 218. It's just an added expense to BYU that is not necessuy. I think mo ItUdm with their parents and that most parents get to see their students cIurin& the hool it's a waste ofBYD's funds. 223. I think it is a great idea. I do, however feel that lot would Deed to be affordable housing for parents in the area. Since they can't stay with u ( B appro they would spend a lot of money to stay in Hotels. Some son ofREALLY ood d to be worked out with the local hotels. in t ch , I think 225. Please allow for many activities from which to cho though lea os tim r paren t accompany students to their classes and meet teachers. I think thi ' II be mo than any speaker or activity for the parents get to see the life of ' child. It' aJ chose from various speakers and several activities going on at sports event, exhibition, and performing arts event. I don't think m famil interested in watching a football game, and so more than ju that to support more that just BYU football. Also, it would be really oj if_ eben their offices more that weekend so that parents could meet t and education a little better. Thank you. A concerned student. 226. Sounds like a good idea for freshman. When one is graduation. What would parents week accomplish? What understand. 230. I think it's awesome to have parents come and that they are filling their time with. hi 234. I think that it is a wonderful idea, and would 10 time when my parents could come, what with 235. I think that it is a wonderful idea, and time when my parents could come, what ' activities in question number 31 242. I would suggest having a regular time 252. I think the idea ofParents weekend . place ofspring break. Most studeatl will Christmas but not many go home cIuriDa Mil'... _ 254. if you could get lOme intereItiDa lDOl_ rs BYU was now an official circus. with all lid_ OW willi... llnelt in 257. I would have loved to have a special weekend to spend with my parents. I think that an Freshman especially not from around here, and ifthey are bomesi would lov to ha II t mom come. I love the idea 258. I don't feel like parent's week would be very popular. Most studen are old and independent from their parents. Many are returned missionaries and are used to not ha in ir parents around. 267. I think that it is really good for kids that live out of stale. But for about it because my house is five minutes away. I ha n't U10ugnt 274. I think it is a good idea for those who can actually participate. I don't think that the id would get my parents to come all the way out here. But I think that ould ifth Ii in Utah. 276. It sound like a fun activity for freshmen and tho who' paren come. For those of us who pay for our own schooling, this acti . 278. Ifmy had occasion to visit Provo, we would want to spend ourselves, since I only see them a few times a year. We wouldn't bunch of silly activities, but would rather relax, and enjo cb OUIlen COllllpltny 283. General Conference tickets to the Conference Center _ 1I. 1It the Testaments would also be good. 286. I think that parents weekend is an excellent idea. It what their children do while at school. It would also pro . themselves the campus, and perhaps allow them to_- should send their children here. I feel that a sprina WI'Iuld parents weekend is a great idea 293. helping us find cheap air fair 296. I think it would be great! However I could prObably to school and frankly don't have time to ertain m would really take away from my studying and enough as it is. Olelthel', b 300. At Ricks they have a very SUcceslfial PID. I structured similar to thein. l 304. Parent's weekend would be fun, don't think I would participate u DICb activities implemented into graduation lCtlivitiea. ilW . -- would mean more to me to have some well- planned BYU activities to participate in with m parents during graduation activities, rather than smaller events during the year. 3 13. Parents would have the opportunity to see what their kids do and kids could parents a little more often 3 17. Incentives / fun activities are a great way to get people to come. I think ood food i motivator, as well as exceptional entertainment or a cbaoce to interact with other ud l and parents. I think many people would go for the tickets to GeneraJ Conf1 too. 320. My parents would love it. I think a lot ofpeople would be iot ed. tud t and are busy, but in general they like to make time for things Ii e this. It would be impon& nt it about it enough in advance so arrangements could be made. Reali good id 322. I think this is a great idea. One ofthe hardest things ofbeing at B my family. I know I am not the only person who feels this and I ld rail opportunity to spend some time with my parents up here. I think it would because there are so many people that I want them to meet at I that unless they come here. 330. It would probably be best suited to those whose parents do not BYU. mu h 331. How nice for students with families in the Utah parents make it out only every 2 years, if that. HO" ' r_. motivating factor for encouraging visits. our 334. I think it is a wonderful idea. Ifmy parents didn't r thrilled to do it. Especially during Freshman Orien . and as Freshman students are about to leave their famili especially beneficial; parents could learn more about will be doing for the next 4- 5 years! 337. I think that it would be a good way for DlndS Plus, after not seeing your parents for a wbil come visit and see their college life i li e. 340. I think that it is a good for underclUlmen. year, I'm married now, and Parents excited 356. It would be a great interaction betMMlIi parent's weekend it allows them to actually fliCllIy .......... d is studying and come to know the positi or daughter. 365. For many BYU students who like to be " involved" parents eekend mi ht b a I also think many, like me, have a hard enough time keeping up ith a tim schedule that does not permit engagement in trite activities. I m par nt did auld prefer to spend quality time with them than to attend orne p rI. hat Vv'ould reduce both my the time I spent with rn Parents and the tim classvvork. FREE RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 2 ON PARENT QUESTIONNAIR , " PLEASE MARK ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES/ REASONS THAT WOULD MOTIVATE YOU TO ATTEND PARENTS' WEEKEND." Free Air1ine TIckets Meet my child's friends Attend Class with Student Meet with Counselors Hear from Dept Heads In Stud nt' Major regarding career paths placement recruiting etc. Go to classes with student good timing An event closer to our home. BYU Choirs Concert moving BYU back east a bit :) thought- provoking issue- oriented talks from professors not ftuff Both Tim & Gayle are graduates of BYU. Homecoming Is what do our eight students who have attended or currently attend BYU. Science Updates a ' talk' by Hugh Nibley Attend classes with my child just spending time with my son BYU Dance Company Perfonnance meet with teachers from her college Women's Soccer Game A time when we dont have to wort resource Infonnation tables set up in If It were scheduled the last week of March Play or dance group tickets Exhibits at Art Museum attend class with my child Hearing a cross- section of faculty members so I know what's going on a BYU -- research achievements etc. Olympic tickets FREE RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 3 ON STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE, " PLEASE MARK ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD MOTIVATE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN PARENTS' WEEKEND." Divine Comedy Show No work!!! Family Dance dances go to class with me invite parents to classes BYU Theatre productions a game with funny monkeys and maybe a soda fountain I wouldn't want to hear from an LOS speaker but a good speech from on of B U' Rock climbing up rock canyon Some kind of service -- could be school kit bags or someth n a and A with my college FREE RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 4 ON STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE, " How DO YOU PREFER THE ACTIVITIES AT PARENTS' WEEKEND TO BE STRUCTURED?" a little of both some of each hmmmmm a little bit of both of the answers but not everyday. Leave some time 10 be free with parent Several activities scheduled a few times to make sure there is an opportunity to do most v ryth ng w w nl I still want the monkeys One or two super high quality activities that everyone attends and then oth r 0 rla In on . A little of both of the above 2 options: some bigger high quality adivities and s veral m II r I wok y c1 ", t lhr a few structured but time left to just spend together I don't care. FREE RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 10 ON PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE, " WHAT WOULD PREVENT YOU FROM COMING TO BYU TO PARTICIPATE IN PARENTS' WEEKEND?" Other ( Please Specify) I work. distance if same week as Rick's Mother's week airline ticket cost winter weather weather Nothing student might not want parents to come our son ( BYU student) is currently on a mission conflict with local stake activities - conf. etc. cost- disabledunemployed Incliment weather I live in Drem and work at BYU and wouldn't find parents weekend to be anything more than what I can do any other weekend. We live so close & have attended BYU ourselves that it isn't a unique experience l 1. Obligations at home 2. We are both graduates plus 6 older children; we've experienced it and still do on occasion when circimstances warrant/ permit. Younger children's school schedules not having a student there Debbi Reynolds said it best: ' We're busier than a one legged butt kicker in a butt kicking contest!!' ( Obvious BYU Communications Major) Events have to be good! a very low level of personal interest distance work - time off weather/ snow/ slick roads travel time I hate Provo Snow on Road!!!! lodging availability Travel distance I work here so I/ m here every day and see my student children often my work schedule child too busy with his own activities ( studying and working) single parent; I work Current Mission President my own teaching schedule student graduated Distance from BYU conflict with other pressing activities too much I live in Finland No time off work and travel weatherand travel distances International travel for business that I am unable to schedule very far in advance Other family and work obligations Time of the year busy schedules need to be home with other children Expense of BYU planned activities someone to care for other children at home our last of 4 children graduate in April from BYU would need to coincide with our spring break distance of travel other business obligations not interested illness work conflict Other pressing family or work demands Been there done that schedule conflict schedule conflict schedule conflict schedule conflict ! t maybe unnecessary schedule conflict at home if my student didn't want me to or care if I came. ability to find lodging in Provo nothing except conflict with another family responsibility a child in high school needs of other children in familyh not something that my student or I want from his/ her educational institution I'm a teacher. It's hard to take off except during Spring Break FREE RESPONSES TO QUESTION # 10 ON STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE, " CHECK ALL OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN PARENTS' WEEKEND." Parents might not be able to attend due to time and money My parents don't live far enough away to make Parents weekend a priority. They can drive down any time they want. parents live too far away Can't stay with me have to pay for hotel I would rather spend time with my parents doing non- sponsored activities I'm from Orem and see them all the time MONEY I live at home. I go to school to get away from my parents want to do other things with parents-- not BYU sponsored my parents live in Provo and we constantly visit each other too busy must graduate in 4 years! i Jive in provo and my parents already have visited the campus etc. Money - my parents might not be able to afford to come no time or energy to spend with them when they're here busy parents that can't do it It is a waste of my time and the universities money sounds boring I live at home in Orem with my parents i graduate in 2 months Can't afford it wrong time of year - - it would be expensive for my parents to come here. They already know what BYU is like. parent too poor to come I don't want my parents to hang around me for a week. My parents live in Utah County anyway it wouldn't be that big of deal parents might not be able to make it My parents live far away I can show my parents BYU anytime. Parent's live in Russia Parents wouldn't have time or desire Parents might not be able to come Hard for parents to visit parents live too far away my parents come up to Utah to visit anyway and I don't think it would be convenient to have them have a ' special' weekend. inconvenient to have them have a ' special' weekend. My parents don't do this ( visit their children at college or visit their children in general) kind of stUff. They don't have the time or inclination. It also wastes gas for them to travel My parents are in Kentucky and have children in school. Time doesn't allow a trip to Utah. expensive for parents $$$ not enough advanvce notice to organize visits Feel guilty for not spending time with parents while they're here. parents live in canada I live with my parents My dad went to the UofU and really isn't interested in BYU my parents can't afford to fly out here for a weekend; parents visiting for a reason other than the BYU activities if my parents come I'd rather plan activities myself I'm graduating My parents are big U of U fans The amount of money that my parents would have to spend to get here and to stay here and to pay for babysitting at home. They live 2000 miles away plane tickets cost 800 for two people. Non- member Parents they are not interested in the Church parents can't come because they live so far away. If it was really good they might come anyway My parents live in Provo and my Dad works at BYU so there work and schoolwork my parents live out of state Parents might not want to If it is during a heavy midtem week or if because my parents are divorced it would be awkward for them. afraid to get behind in classes My parents live very close so a parents weekend wouldn1 be much of a change. My parents are really old my parents live less than 20 minutes away. We really don1 need a parent's weekend Parents wouldn't come if it's an orientation for them My parents probably don1 really want to come. I think it's kind of a small college type activity. I already see my parents during the school year and I prefer them to visit on their own time not because it's a BYU event. To busy with school. A bad time to make it is during finals month. It would be a good idea for parents to come on either Jan or Aug or maybe after finals. my parents live in another country not all parents can afford the trip! Parents couldn't come My parents won't and can't come Travel Constraints for my parents no monkeys too much of a hassle and my parents would not come because after all why should they come for that? It's weird I'm from Orem - I see my family all the time. I am here to be away from my parents No money to have parents fly here My parents live out of state My parents cannot afford to take the time off and come up here from hawaii- travel is far My parents live in Texas far for parents to travel my parents both work and would have a hard time coordinating their schedules when my parents come to Utah we mostly spend time with relatives so we probably wouldn't participate in school activities money My parents live in Indiana At the beginning of the year it Parents not interested in coming My parents live very close to Provo: I see them a lot and they see BYU a lot. If " m really busy I might not make it a priority. traveling Parental Apathy parents too far away to come up just for parents week my parents know about BYU already and have had many children go through this school o'ut- of- state parents( and I'm the fifth child) What is the benefit? My parents probably wouldn't want to spend the money to come; maybe they would once though. My parents live in Japan I'm married now Cost of parents coming parents are so far away If my parents cannot come because of time or money for transportation parents not able to attend my parents live close If I want to spend time with my parents I don't need BYU to organize it. Most BYU- BYUSA sponsered activities are have been a waste of my time in the past.
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