The Office of Parent Relations coordinates a national parent volunteer program. Parents may volunteer to serve as a USD Parent Ambassador to the university by assisting with Parent Relations, Admissions, and regional events.

The Office of Parent Relations also staffs a Parents Association Board. The board meets three times a year and exists to integrate parents into the university community by mobilizing them to volunteer their talents and abilities, to contribute financially, and to join other parents, students and university personnel in helping to create an educational environment consistent with the mission statement of USD.

Parents Association Board: Message from the Board President

Hello USD Parents,

On behalf of the Parents Association Board, I would like to welcome you and your student to the University of San Diego. The experiences and challenges that await you here are numerous, and the memories will span a lifetime.

My husband and I currently have two sons attending USD. Our son Chris is a senior, while our son Lucas, is a sophomore. We are from Massachusetts, and when we were processing the thought of them attending college 3,000 miles away, it was a decision that was taken quite seriously. Looking back, not only was it a perfect choice for our sons, but little did we know, an even better choice for us as a family.

I became involved with the Parent Board almost immediately. The board allowed me to stay connected with the university and its mission, while at the same time allowing my sons the opportunity for their own personal growth and the freedoms that college offers. The mission of the Parent Board is to work with the university in achieving its goals to benefit our students and to offer support to current USD families. We are the communication between the parents and the university administration.

The Parent Board also engages in several key projects. The initiative for this year has been The Parent Partnership Fund. This fund was established to help those students, who are within grasp of their degree, bridge the financial gap between the aid they receive and their unmet need.

Another project we lead is Knowledge Transfer. This program was introduced by the Parent Board to the university to offer students a networking opportunity to listen to, and engage with, USD parents and alumni in various fields of professional expertise. This panel forum gives the student a birds-eye view of career life in their particular field of interest.

Another initiative we are engaged in is The Parent Career Network. The Parent Board collaborates with the Office of Parent Relations, Career Services and USD parents in generating internships for students.

Parents can also become involved by becoming a Parent Ambassador. We encourage Parent Ambassadors to give their time, energy and enthusiasm to various events on campus such as Move-In Weekend, Homecoming and Family Weekend, as well as regionally in your hometown. This is a great opportunity to meet new families, stay connected with those you may already know while providing a great service to USD. It's just another way to be a part of the USD Torero family.

I encourage you to take some time to look into all the fabulous opportunities there are to be involved with The University of San Diego and the Parents Association. I promise you that your involvement, at whatever level, will be memorable and time well spent.

Always feel free to contact me personally or any of the outstanding staff in the Office of Parent Relations at parents@sandiego.edu.

I wish you and your family a wonderful and memorable journey over the next four years at USD.

Sincerely,

Susan Hassett P’11, P’13
President
Parents Association Board

Parent Ambassadors

Parents and families of current USD students have the opportunity to participate in the Parent Ambassador program. Through this program, parents and families serve as ambassadors (or volunteers) for several programs sponsored by Parent Relations. It’s a great opportunity to become involved in USD, meet other parents/families, further connect with your student’s college experience, and simply enjoy your status as a USD Torero parent.

Learn more and click Here to sign up today!

FAQs

Why should you get involved with the Parent Ambassador Program?
As an ambassador, you will become increasingly more knowledgeable about USD and be equipped with tools and resources that will assist you, new incoming parents/families, and your student. It is also an opportunity to become a part of the USD community.

What is the level of commitment to be involved in the Parent Ambassador Program?
We ask for a minimum of a one-year commitment to the Parent Ambassador Program, which may include participation in meetings or conference calls for communication purposes and event planning. While these meetings are not mandatory, they are highly encouraged.

What are some examples of volunteer opportunities?
Here are a few examples of volunteer opportunities:

• Fall Semester: Assist with events such as Parent Orientation and Move-In Day, Homecoming and Family Weekend, or College Fairs. Help make new family and freshmen phone calls.
• Spring Semester: Assist with events such as Grandparents Weekend or help make congratulatory calls.
• Summer Semester: Host a Summer Send Off in your town.