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 Co-Presidents, Jim and Bonnie Trumbull

Dear USD Parents,

On behalf of the Parents Association Board, it is our privilege to welcome you and your student to the University of San Diego, and into the Torero family. That you’re here reading our letter, indicates that you’re perhaps a bit curious about becoming involved. We understand. Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the university and its mission, to build relationships with a community of like-minded families, and to do so to the degree that suits you best.

Our affiliation with the board began four years ago. We had attended the Summer Send-Off event in our hometown of Lake Oswego, Oregon when our son Jimmy was an incoming freshman. When asked if we would be interested in ‘getting involved’, we offered up a cautious ‘yes’, not certain what that answer would mean, yet knowing that it felt right. In hindsight, as a result of the people we’ve met, the experiences we’ve had, and the good work in which we’ve been privileged to be involved, it continues to be one of the most enriching experiences of our lives.

The mission of the Parents Association Board is to partner with parents and families to enhance the student experience and to strengthen family connections with the USD community. We accomplish this through the following projects:

Parent Ambassador Program--A wonderful opportunity to spend time with the USD community, Parent Ambassadors volunteer in various events on campus such as OLÉ Weekend, Homecoming and Family Weekend, and Grandparents’ Weekend. Ambassadors also assist at Summer Send-Offs and community-building events in home towns across the country.

The Parent Career Network (PCN)--In conjunction with the Office of Career Services, the Office of Parent Relations, and USD parents, the PCN actively generates quality internship and summer job opportunities for current students.

Knowledge Transfer--A series of on-campus, industry-specific forums, this program offers students networking opportunities with relevant USD parents and alumni in their respective fields of expertise. Students make connections and gain first-hand knowledge in their areas of interest.

The Parent Partnership Fund-- This was established to help bridge the financial gap between the aid students receive and their unmet need should they encounter unexpected financial hardship and are within reach of their undergraduate degree. Over the last three years of fundraising, we've kept a number of proven students on track to complete their undergraduate degrees at USD.

Whether you choose to become immediately involved or not, we hope you’ll take time to read the monthly Parent E-Newsletter, featuring announcements and updates to keep you connected to life at USD. You can also join in the conversation by liking us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USDParents. It’s an easy way to further connect with your student’s college experience, meet and engage like-minded parents, and gain knowledge about current events and news from within our vibrant, involved community.

Finally, the outstanding staff of the Office of Parent Relations welcomes your calls and is happy to respond to your questions and concerns, and so are we. Please feel free to contact them at (619) 260-4808 or parents@sandiego.edu.

As we’ve discovered, your time at USD will be fleeting. The Office of Parent Relations and the Parents Association Board are here to help you make the most of it. We hope you and your student enjoy every moment of your USD experience. See you on campus!

Sincerely,

Jim and Bonnie Trumbull P’13
Co-Presidents
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 about joining the Parent Ambassador Program

Why should I 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 OLÉ Weekend (Parent Orientation), 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.