Parents Council works as liaison

The Parents Council is a group of 36 parents of JMU students – nine representatives from each of the four classes. The members serve as liaisons between the university and students’ parents and represent JMU.

The organization was formed in 1978 to involve parents more closely with JMU affairs. According to the Parents Council, the group meets twice a year — once in the fall on the Friday of Parents’ Weekend and once in the spring. During these meetings, the council breaks down into smaller subcommittees, which include Finance and Physical Development, Academics, Student Life, Enrollment Services and Resource Development.

"We are the eyes and ears of this school in our own communities," said Jim Riley, chairman of the Parents Council. "We aid the university in receiving feedback of how happy students are with their JMU experience."

The Parents Council hosts freshman send-off picnics during the summer before freshmen leave for JMU. At the picnic — hosted in various locations from which JMU students come — council members meet with families and discuss the transition period between home and college life. They also host a table at CHOICES.

At the Parents Council breakfast on Saturday, head football coach Mickey Matthews said to the group, "We appreciate everything you do for us. This place changes lives and I witness it every day. Thank you."