Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University is enhancing its onboarding processes for students and families through the dedicated efforts of Karen Simons, Director of the Office of Parent and Family Relations. According to Simons, her role is to connect families with the necessary resources and support within the university community.

The creation of the Director position in 2022, as highlighted by Sarah Jean Kelly, Vice President of Student Success and Retention Strategy, reflects a shift towards viewing families as integral partners in the educational journey of students. Kelly emphasized the importance of having a liaison like Simons to facilitate this connection between families and the university.

Simons' role involves addressing a wide range of concerns, from financial aid to study abroad opportunities. She conducts webinars to educate families about the various programs available at St. John’s, recognizing that parents and students alike may have questions and apprehensions about such opportunities.

Furthermore, Simons collaborates with other university departments to organize on-campus events and orientation activities, ensuring that both students and families feel welcomed and informed. Corinne Gentile, Director of Enrollment Management Events, emphasized the significance of effective onboarding strategies in providing a comprehensive understanding of the university experience to both parents and students.

Through the involvement of Student Ambassadors, led by Gentile, St. John’s aims to create a welcoming environment where families and students can forge lasting connections. As Gentile noted, these relationships have the potential to impact not only the current students but also future generations within the St. John’s community.