The Blog
Whether you're just starting or scaling, the trends, tips, and to-dos to improve your parent engagement strategy.
Featured
How to turn family engagement into a record-setting giving strategy
Molloy University built a culture of philanthropy by helping families see their place in the mission. That approach led to the largest Giving Tuesday in Molloy’s history, raising $40,000+ and a six-figure Giving Day that continues to grow
Texting families isn’t optional anymore. Here’s how to do it right
Text messages drive up to 3x higher engagement than email, yet most colleges still underuse them. Learn how Marymount University and New Mexico State University are turning everyday communications into timely, action-driving texts.
Your new parent orientation playbook
Orientation is a high-impact moment for families, but it can also be overwhelming. FSU turned three days of information into a lasting resource with their New Nole Orientation Hub, extending support well beyond move-in.
Inside DigiPen’s yield strategy: Why admits don’t enroll alone
DigiPen shares how engaging families during the admit-to-deposit window led to students with a connected parent enrolling at rates 16% higher than the institutional average.
Win yield through family confidence: communicate financial aid and ROI effectively
When families lack clarity around financial aid and cost, enrollment decisions stall. Learn how UNLV expanding their family communications around cost and ROI to drive yield, all while reducing call volume to financial aid and cashiering offices by 50%.
Engaged families give more: How connected families drive college philanthropy
When families understand the value of the student experience and know they’re partners in that progress, philanthropy becomes a natural next step. See how Flagler and Miami used this approach to grow giving days by up to 30%!
From parent interest into enrollment impact: Lessons from KU & Assumption
Families are engaging in the college search earlier than ever. This guide shares research-backed insights and real-world examples from two institutions already seeing enrollment results through intentional family engagement, including increase in student yield by +12%!
First-gen families: Support from day one
Early communication sets the tone for first-gen success. See how Montclair State University and Southern Oregon University are making thoughtful, strategic shifts in communication that help first-gen support feel personal, accessible, and culturally aware.
AI and The Future of Family Engagement
AI talk is everywhere in higher ed. And yeah, it can sound like one more complicated, overwhelming thing on your plate. But here’s the good news: AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it can actually make your life easier and your family engagement efforts stronger.
Cut through the FAFSA confusion: Strategies to support families
This year’s FAFSA is smoother but success depends on more than system updates. Collaboration and consistent communication are what help families feel confident, informed, and supported throughout one of higher education’s most stressful processes.
From recruit to retain: FAU’s blueprint for full-lifecycle family engagement
Families don’t care what office sends the email. And they shouldn’t have to. Every outreach from a college should feel like one voice: clear, consistent, and focused on student success.
Peak season playbook: Proven strategies to onboard first-year families
The summer before college is filled with questions for both students and their parents. That’s why the transition to college isn’t just about preparing students; it’s about equipping families with the information and support they need to guide them through it.
The power of personalization in recruitment and enrollment
Personalization can feel like an impossible task. You’re juggling shrinking teams, packed calendars, and a mile-long to-do list — do you really have time to tailor every message?
5 family engagement strategies that drive enrollment success
When it comes to turning "maybe" into "yes" in the enrollment process, engaging families is more important than ever. But how can already-saturated teams, facing growing enrollment concerns, focus on the right outreach that will drive the action needed?
AI strategies for family engagement: save time and scale impact
Let’s face it — AI is everywhere. You’ve probably heard “AI is here to stay” more times than you can count (maybe even in your sleep). But here’s the thing: when it comes to family engagement in higher ed, AI is a game-changer.
3 steps to engage parents this yield season
You’re actively working on yielding students, but are you also working on yield their parents? Engaging parents now can help you recruit the entire family and grow your incoming class. Get 3 approaches you can still try to hit your goals.
Scale family communication with campus partners
One of the easiest ways to create more family content is also one of the smartest — partnering with other departments across campus. Learn how the pros at UNC Wilmington and K State created content teams, and how CampusESP helps you manage your new content engine.
How to engage families around mental health for student success
Mental health continues to be a trending topic on campus and an area families need solid info on to support their students. The team at Georgia Tech takes us through their approach and programming.
How to keep families connected in a crisis
Last spring, 140 colleges and universities in the U.S. saw demonstrations on their campus. While mostly peaceful, each caused disruption and confusion for administrators, faculty, students... and the families miles away desperate to understand what was happening. University of Maryland, UNC Chapel Hill, and University of Oregon joined us to share their experiences updating families, and their learnings as they anticipate additional activity this fall.
Kickstart your next class: Enrollment planning for '24-25 starts NOW
2025 admissions planning starts in 3… 2… 1… but where do you start? How do you make next year better? University of Mary Washington and Franciscan University of Steubenville help you get ahead with tips, tricks, and strategies from explaining financial aid to utilizing alumni connections.

