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

St. John’s University has introduced a new resource aimed at welcoming students and families to the university community. Karen Simons, the Director of the Office of Parent and Family Relations, plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing support and guidance to families as they navigate the onboarding process.

“My job is that of a connector. If family members have a concern, I try to get them connected to the person here on campus who is going to be able to help them. Family members are an essential part of the community at St. John’s,” stated Ms. Simons.

The creation of the Office of Parent and Family Relations in 2022 by Sarah Jean Kelly, Vice President of Student Success and Retention Strategy, reflects the university's commitment to engaging families in various aspects of student life. Ms. Kelly emphasized the importance of having a designated role like Ms. Simons' to serve as a voice for families and students, fostering a sense of connection within the university community.

Ms. Simons provides a range of resources, including a dedicated web portal, a Facebook group, and direct lines of communication through telephone, email, and video chat. These tools enable the office to address questions and concerns from family members and students, ensuring a smooth transition into university life.

One of the key focus areas for Ms. Simons is providing information about study abroad opportunities, such as the Global Passport program, which allows students to study in locations like Rome, Paris, and Limerick, Ireland. Ms. Simons conducts an annual webinar to address questions and alleviate any concerns that families may have about their children studying abroad.

In addition to study abroad, the Office of Parent and Family Relations offers webinars on a variety of topics, including financial aid, dining options, career advice, and academic support. These services are available to students and family members from all class years, with webinar recordings accessible on the office's webpage.

Collaborating with other university departments, Ms. Simons assists in organizing on-campus events such as Accepted Student Day, campus tours, and first-year orientation activities. Corinne Gentile, the Director of Enrollment Management Events, highlighted the importance of creating a dynamic onboarding experience for families and students, with Ms. Simons playing a crucial role in facilitating this process.

Ms. Gentile emphasized the active engagement of parents in the onboarding process, noting that speaking with other parents who have gone through similar experiences can be beneficial. She also highlighted the role of Student Ambassadors in welcoming new students and families, creating lasting relationships within the St. John’s community.

Through the efforts of Ms. Simons and the collaborative work of various university departments, St. John’s University aims to provide comprehensive support to students and families, fostering a sense of belonging and community from the very beginning of their university journey.