2015 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 2015 Parents’ Weekend was held on October 31st and November 1st. Events included a picnic, educational sessions, three Flying High Circus performances, the Fun Run 5K Run/Walk, and a tailgate brunch. Attendance Figures 2012
2013
2014
2015
938
1,268
863
711
Picnic at Union Green
3,238
3,558
2,378
1,991
Tailgate Brunch
1,502
1,378
1,087
764
5K Fun Run/Walk Total Survey Respondents
614 96
582 350
324 400
218 797
Total # of families at PW # of Participants by Event
Online Assessment Highlights
Parents’ Weekend 2015 was the eleventh 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 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 797 survey responses were recorded. Demographics of survey respondents
84% were in-state parent/guardians 16% were out-of-state parent/guardians 58% had students who were freshman 14% had students who were sophomores 14% had students who were juniors 18% had students who were seniors Majority of survey respondents (70%) were first time attendees and 87% plan to attend again.
Registration comments from survey
84% of respondents pre-registered online 97% thought online/mailing registration was easy to understand 15% registered on-site 96% thought on-site registration was quick and organized 1% pre-registered via mail 98% of participants found PW staff to be friendly and helpful
Marketing Participants heard about PW through numerous sources. The three top responses included: 65% Family Connection 93% of survey respondents were members of the Family Connection 46% Orientation 35% Website Program Attendance PW offered various programs attendees could choose to participate in. The most popular among survey respondents included: Football Game—FSU vs. Syracuse (77%) Circus Performance (42%) Picnic on Union Green (33%) Brunch Buffet & Marching Chiefs Skull Session (20%) Recommendations for next year: Suggestions taken from qualitative feedback via online survey:
Activities
More activities for parents after football game
More activities on Sunday Activities that are free should be included like gym pass, pool pass, and discount to cafeteria
Catering
Restaurant deals and local coupons, would
Parking
Lodging
Maps with areas to park in Signs that display where it is ok to park Parking guide/attendants
Hotel prices too expensive, maybe FSU
Too expensive Pay for individual events
Tours of classes/campus ALL supporting parents of football play-
Tickets
Timing
Do not schedule on Halloween, or any holiday
be better option Serve food “tailgate” style, Bar-B-Q
Earlier in the semester
5k Fun Run/ Walk
An app with locations and times of activi-
Advertise the start times, not found on website
Website Need more information about onsite PW registration center
Information
book in advance and sell them with PW tickets
Other requests
ers, cheerleaders, Marching Chiefs to be included on the field before the game. Meet and greet with faculty/for parents of other parents w/ students with the same major.
Open house with college/departments
ties
Have a PDF of all activities sent in an email and on the website
A finalized itinerary updated weeks in advanced
Highlights:
Spending time with their student, seeing how they are connected and meeting the friends they have made Paint-A-Pot, Bowling, & Football Game Marching Chiefs Skull Session Circus performance
Suggestions from Committee:
TBD