2013 Parents’ Weekend Snapshot
Introduction Parents’ Weekend is a tradition of the Florida State University that gives parents the opportunity to visit their student(s) while also gaining exposure to the Florida State University community and its many traditions. The 2013 Parents’ Weekend was held on October 5th and 6th. Events included a picnic, educational sessions, three Flying High Circus performances, the Fun Run 5K Run/Walk, and a tailgate brunch. Attendance Figures
Total # of families at PW # of Participants by Event Picnic at Union Green
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
1,388
1,221
1,230
938
1,268
4,074
3,219
3,290
3,238
3,558
Tailgate Brunch
2,330
1,755
1,899
1,502
1,378
5K Fun Run/Walk Total Survey Respondents
669
665
625
614
582
516
598
540
96
350
Online Assessment Highlights
Parents’ Weekend 2013 was the ninth year that PW has been formally assessed. Participants were directed to an online survey to provide feedback at the conclusion of the weekend’s festivities. They were informed via business cards, an ad in the program booklet, and notices in the Family Connection E-Newsletter. A drawing took place and a random survey participant was awarded $100 in Flex Bucks. A total of 350 survey responses were recorded. Demographics of survey respondents
84% were in-state parent/guardians 14% were out-of-state parent/guardians 79% had students who were freshman 7% had students who were sophomores 11% had students who were juniors 6% had students who were seniors
Registration comments from survey
89% of respondents pre-registered online 99% thought online/mailing registration was easy to understand 8% registered on-site 98% thought on-site registration was quick and organized 3% pre-registered via mail 99% of participants found PW staff to be friendly and helpful
Marketing Participants heard about PW through numerous sources. The three top responses included: 63% Orientation 65% Family Connection 87% of survey respondents were members of the Family Connection 38% Website
Program Attendance PW offered various programs attendees could choose to participate in. The most popular among survey respondents included: Football Game—FSU vs. Maryland (87%) Circus Performance (59%) Picnic on Union Green (49%) Brunch Buffet (26%) Family Connection Silent Auction (22%) Recommendations for next year: Suggestions taken from qualitative feedback via online survey: Activities Have more activities on Saturday evening, especially for families not able to attend on Friday night Host tours of the Oglesby Union More activities parents and children can do together Catering Improve the quality of the food and ensure consistency throughout the evening Provide more fresh food, such as fruit for dessert More options besides typical buffet food 5k Fun Run/ Walk Better tracking of the times of all the participants Have more water stations Host later in day if game is scheduled for noon kickoff Parking Many parents had trouble looking for parking spots Parents did not know where to park for the football game without the risk of getting towed Have clearer directions for game day parking Website Provide means to check what one registered for (i.e. which Circus show) Include an easy to print schedule online for parents who would like one in advance Make it clear that registration is not necessary if not attending events that require a ticket List prices for activities prior to beginning registration process
Suggestions from Committee:
TBD