University of the Pacific has expanded its Parents and Families Program, offering new ways for families to stay connected to campus and support their students’ success. 

An online portal, monthly virtual forums and increased opportunities to participate in major university events help families stay informed and engaged, whether they live nearby or across the globe.

Leading the effort on Blandizzi’s team is Associate Director of Parent and Family Engagement Charlotte Stackpole. Stackpole stepped into the role in January to help connect families with campus resources and opportunities.

“My children were in high school when I moved here, now they're in college. That experience gives me a unique perspective working with students and parents because I can relate to both,” Stackpole said. “Pacific has a lot of resources. What I want to do is connect with parents in a way that they understand what the university is providing their student and empowers them to be involved, while also feeling comfortable enough to let go and let their student be independent in their college experience.”

A major resource available to parents is the Pacific Parent and Family Network, an online portal that provides information about campus events, student experiences and university services. Families can access curated content and interactive discussion boards to connect with Pacific and one another.

The program also hosts monthly virtual parent forums, giving families an opportunity to hear campus updates, learn about university programs and ask questions. 

Recent sessions have explored student involvement, including clubs and organizations and Greek life. Ahead of the next Career Expo, a representative from Career Services will join the talk to offer career and networking advice. 

Parents and families are also encouraged to join athletic events and other festivities held at the Stockton Campus. 

“We help parents to find a role for themselves within the university in their own right and then try to make that as personal as possible,” Stackpole said.

During Week of Welcome, parents participated in a Day of Service in the Robb Garden, the program’s first major family event. During Homecoming and Family Weekend, families were invited to Conversations with President Christopher Callahan, giving them an opportunity to connect with university leadership.

Personal outreach is another important part of the program. When students reach exciting milestones, Stackpole looks for ways to share the news with their families.  

“I try to use every opportunity possible to actually talk to a parent. I want to help parents celebrate successes that we see,” she said. 

Celebrating exciting moments can mean even more to students who have family far away. For Leo McCabe ’30, knowing Stackpole reached out to share the news of his recent ASUOP election to senator-at-large made a difference to both him and his mother.

“It was really nice to hear that they wanted to keep her informed, as she lives in the U.K. and doesn't get to visit me often and doesn't really know anything other than what I've told her,” McCabe said.

The program also helps families understand where to turn when students encounter challenges. By explaining resources such as counseling, tutoring, housing support and career services, Pacific can help parents respond constructively when their students need guidance. See some of the academic and career development resources.

Through building these connections, the program is working to make families informed partners in the college experience and helping students feel supported while giving them room to grow.

The next Parent and Family Network call is Nov. 2 from 5:30-6:15 p.m. PST. Learn more about engagement opportunities through Pacific’s Parent and Family Network.