Campus introduces first director of parent programs

Share your thoughts on parent programs in a survey

A woman who earned an undergraduate degree one course at a time while raising three sons will help foster closer connections between UC Davis and the parents of its students.

Tess Chandler, who has worked in the UC Davis alumni office and other campus units for more than 10 years, has been appointed the university’s first director of parent programs.

The 2007 UC Davis graduate will help develop resources and activities for parents ranging from a special weekend for visiting the campus to an online handbook and a telephone helpline. She will also help build relationships with parents in support of campus fundraising efforts.

Embracing parents

“Parents and guardians are most often very involved in their students’ lives,” Chandler said. “In turn, the campus understands the importance of engaging parents and students — hand in hand. The parents are valued members of our campus community.”

In her new role, Chandler will collaborate with UC Davis’ existing programs for parents, including Aggie Family Pack’s monthly e-mail newsletter and Web site; a new group for the parents of varsity student-athletes; and the Parents Fund giving program.

The new parent programming initiative, overseen by the Office of Alumni Relations, is funded by a grant from the UC Office of the President.

Chandler, who has welcomed new students and their families to UC Davis at receptions hosted by the Cal Aggie Alumni Association, said she is looking forward to working more closely with parents. “Our students are fabulous, and their parents are so caring,” she said.

The Davis resident said her own experience as a UC Davis student, mom and longtime campus employee should help her better understand and serve UC Davis parents. Chandler studied part-time over 17 years to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2007. She has a 23-year-old son and 19-year-old twins, one of whom is in his first year of studies at Sacramento City College.

Most recently the director of fundraising development for the alumni association, Chandler has held posts, including fundraising and project management, in the College of Biological Sciences, Student Affairs, UC Davis Extension and the Office of Research.

Give us your ideas

While her early efforts on behalf of parent programs might be modest and focused on incorporating parent activities into other campus events, Chandler said, she is eager to learn what parents want most. Aggie Family Pack invites parents to share their thoughts with Chandler by answering 10 questions in a survey below.

Survey on parent programs and services