1. Understanding Current Trends in Family Involvement (Karla C. Carney-Hall)
As parental involvement increases, administrators must understand the underlying reasons in order to address concerns and provide appropriate responses and services.

2. Exploring the Impact of Parental Involvement on Student Development (Deborah J. Taub)
Administrators are often concerned about the potentially negative impact of parental involvement on student development and autonomy. This chapter reviews those concerns in light of student developmental theory and related research.

3. Using Purposeful Messages to Educate and Reassure Parents (Jerry Price)
Managing parental involvement begins with clear, consistent messages to parents about their role and their influence. This chapter outlines general messages and specific areas of concern based on institutional characteristics and parental, student, and administrative needs.

4. Capitalizing on Parent and Family Partnerships Through Programming (Jeanine A. Ward-Roof, Patrick M. Heaton, and Mary B. Coburn)
Increasing parental involvement not only affects institutional messages, but also shapes what kind of programming is offered to parents. Programming includes events and communication through newsletters, guides, and web sites, as well as parent associations and advisory boards.

5. Managing Parent Involvement During Crisis (Lynette S. Merriman)
A parents' primary goal in contacting an institution is to solve problems, often during a time of crisis for the student or family. This chapter focuses on problem-solving skills needed and planning required for communication during a crisis.

6. Developing, Staffing, and Assessing Parent Programs (Marjorie Savage)
Serving parents requires time and energy, and ultimately affects staffing. Whether institutions decide to create a separate office and parent associations to serve parents depends on needs assessment, philosophy, and resources.

7. Navigating State and Federal Student Privacy Laws to Design Educationally Sound Parental Notice Policies (Thomas R. Baker)
This chapter describes federal and state privacy laws, FERPA, changes in disclosure regarding health emergencies, and legal issues concerning students younger than eighteen.

Appendix A: Parent Program Survey.

Appendix B: Sample Parent Letters.

INDEX.