2016 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 2016 Parents’ Weekend was held on September 30th and October 1st. Events included a picnic, two Flying High Circus performances, the Fun Run 5K Run/Walk, and a tailgate brunch.
Attendance Figures Total # of families at PW
2013 1,268
2014 863
2015 711
2016 784
# of Participants by Event Picnic at Union Green Circus Show
3,558 3,447*
2,378 2,271
1,991 2,317
643 2,219
Tailgate Brunch
1,378
1,087
764
719
5K Fun Run/Walk
582
324
218
327
Total Survey Respondents
350
400
797
388
*2013 was the last year we offered three Circus shows.
Online Assessment Highlights
Parents’ Weekend 2016 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 388 survey responses were recorded.
Demographics of survey respondents
67% were in-state parent/guardians 21% were out-of-state parent/guardians 60% had students who were freshman 16% had students who were sophomores 10% had students who were juniors 14% had students who were seniors
Registration comments from survey
86% of respondents pre-registered online 98% thought online/mailing registration was easy to understand 15% registered on-site 99% thought on-site registration was quick and organized 99% of participants found PW staff to be friendly and helpful
Majority of survey respondents (70%) were first time attendees and 87% plan to attend again.
Marketing
Top 3 Marketing Tools
2013
2014
2015
2016
Family Connection
65%
72%
65%
35%
Survey respondents as members of FC
87%
95%
93%
66%
Orientation
63%
51%
46%
52%
Website
38%
37%
35%
35%
Program Attendance
Top Programs
2013
2014
2015
2016
Football Game
87%
91%
77%
75%
Circus Performance
59%
44%
42%
75%
Picnic on Union Green
49%
35%
33%
24%
Brunch Buffet
26%
21%
20%
25%
Skull Session
18%
21%
20%
24%
Family Connection Silent Auction
22%
14%
20%
24%
Recommendations for next year: Suggestions taken from qualitative feedback of the online survey:
Activities
Less activities on Friday More activities for parents after football game and host a true tailgate instead of brunch More activities on Sunday Intentional community building for parents Clearer information of ALL events happening on booklet
Catering
Expected better quality for price Vegan options and consideration for those with food allergies
5K
Information
Change the design of the T-shirt
Send a “save the date” with admission
Need more information about onsite PW
Supply enough booklets so all parents can
Website
registration center Add a calendar feature Add testimonials and tips for first time attendees List hotel recommendations
Parking
Designated parking area for Parents
letter
have one.
A finalized itinerary emailed in advanced
Lodging Hotel prices too expensive
Other requests
Meet and greet with faculty and parents with students with the same major.
Tickets
Too expensive Be able to go back and add to order
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