About Us

Left to right: Jay Sottolano, PAFA Advisory Board Chair; Suzanne Thigpen, Director of Parents & Family Programs; Pam Sottolano, PAFA Advisory Board Chair; and Susan Starcher, Assistant Director of Parents & Family Programs.

The purpose of the Parents and Family Association is to serve as a communication link between the University and the parents of undergraduate students. It enables parents both to actively participate in the life of their Vanderbilt student and to interact with and lend support to other parents. Parents or guardians of undergraduate students are automatically members of the Parents and Family Association.

The following volunteer opportunities are currently available for parents

• Freshman Mentoring Committee
  • Welcome and communicate with the parents of new students in your region
• Outreach Committee
  • Host and/or organize parent events in your region
• Communications Committee
  • Develop ideas for more effective communication between the University and families
• On-Campus Events Committee
  • Assist with on-campus events, such as Move-In Day and Family Weekend
• Alumni Relations Volunteer Opportunities
  • Help host and/or organize Summer Send Off Parties for new students and their parents or guardians. Invitations also include local alumni, current students and parents.
    
• Admissions Volunteer Opportunities
  • Help Vanderbilt admissions counselors in your area at college fairs and programs, pass out brochures and materials, and assist prospective students and their families with questions.

To volunteer, see our How to Participate Form.

Parents and Family Association | Vanderbilt University
VU Station B #351627 | 2301 Vanderbilt Place | Nashville, TN 37235-1627
615-343-7370 | Email: parents@vanderbilt.edu