Volunteer Expectations & Requirements
Parent & Family Volunteers
At Penn State, we believe that student success is enhanced when parents and families engage as partners.
Apply to the Parents Council and/or the Parent Ambassador Team.
- There are two available positions: Parents Council and Parent Ambassador Team
- You only need to complete one application for both positions
- Please indicate your interest in either or both positions on your application
Volunteer Qualifications
- Volunteers must share the belief that familial support enhances student success in college and seek to positively impact student life at Penn State through their involvement with the Parent and Family Engagement office
- Applicants must have a currently enrolled undergraduate student in good academic standing at the University Park campus
- Parents Council applicants must have a current undergraduate student in good academic standing at the University Park campus
- Current undergraduate students must be enrolled in classes full-time (a minimum of 12 credits/semester) and have not earned an undergraduate degree
- Parents and families of students beginning in the summer or fall of 2026 are not eligible (please consider applying during our 2027 recruitment cycle)
- Volunteers must volunteer a minimum number of hours each academic year to remain as an active volunteer (see below for specific requirements by position)
- Event volunteer opportunities include:
- Arrival Events (June, August, January)
- Student Send-off Events (July, August)
- Family Weekend (typically October)
- New Student Orientation (May, June, July)
- Admitted Student Events (February, March, April)
Volunteer Benefits
We place a high value on your time and dedication to Penn State and the Parent and Family Engagement office. We recognize and appreciate the commitment volunteers make, including your time and the cost of travel and lodging. Benefits include:
- Help shape the parent and family experience at Penn State
- Positively impact the Penn State community
- Meet and network with other Penn State families
- Maintain involvement with your student’s educational institution
- Increase your knowledge about University resources and programs that support student success, learning, and engagement
- Engage with University staff and administrators
- Access to a group rate hotel block during most events
- Volunteer t-shirt, sweatshirt, and special Penn State family items
- Opportunity to network with Family Ambassadors (student volunteers)
- Invitations to special events
About the Parents Council
WE ARE a resource enriching the Penn State experience for all parents and families.
The Penn State Parents Council is comprised of a representative group of University Park parents and family members who:
- Make a commitment to volunteer our time and to share our knowledge and expertise across a range of initiatives and programs that support the mission and the goals of Penn State Parent and Family Engagement
- Act as an advisory group working in close collaboration with the Parent and Family Engagement office to help undergraduate parents, families and students foster a positive and lasting connection to Penn State
To ensure success, we ask Parents Council members to meet the following expectations:
- Attend two meetings on Penn State’s University Park campus each academic year (lodging and travel at your own expense*)
- Members serve a two-year renewable term, up to four years (most remain on the Parents Council until their student graduates)
- Serve on at least one project team or committee each academic year
- All members are expected to volunteer at Family Weekend (typically 6-8 hours)
- Volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours at events each academic year including at least six hours during Family Weekend (these hours are in addition to meetings and committee work)
- Maintain and update personal Better Impact profile including volunteer hours
- Members who miss two meetings will be asked to step down from the council to allow other families the opportunity to participate
- You may apply as an individual or with a spouse or partner (If accepted, you and your spouse or partner will be expected to attend both meetings and participate in volunteer activities)
*Should you be selected to join the Parents Council there is a limited travel fund available to assist families of students who are Pell-eligible or low-income. Please contact the director of Parent and Family Engagement at 814-863-1313 with any questions.
Please note: Penn State faculty, staff, and students are not eligible to become members of the Parents Council, however, they may apply to volunteer as Parent Ambassadors.
About Parent Ambassadors
Parent Ambassadors provide a positive Penn State experience for parents and families of undergraduate and prospective students; create a welcoming environment for new families; assist in sharing information with parents and families at various events; and, encourage involvement and participation from parents and families that reflect Penn State’s diverse undergraduate student population.
To ensure success, we ask Parent Ambassadors to meet the following expectations:
- Participate in virtual onboarding and training activities in May (before volunteering)
- Maintain and update Better Impact profile including volunteer hours
- Act as liaisons between parents, families, the Parent and Family Engagement office, and the University
- Assist with parent and family outreach efforts and events throughout the year
- Share Penn State knowledge and experiences with parents and families
- Support the work of the Parent and Family Engagement office
- Serve a one-year renewable term beginning in May
- Volunteer a minimum of 10 hours each academic year
