The Parents Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting, following a major reorganization, during Family Weekend in the fall of 2003. For many years, the College has had a Parents Council that met briefly on campus during Family Weekends. President Robert A. Oden Jr., recognizing the value of the advice and experience that Carleton parents have to offer, proposed expanding the responsibilities of the parents group and renaming it the Parents Advisory Council (PAC) to reflect its new mission.

The Parents Advisory Council:

• advises the president of the College, from the perspective of parents of students and alumni, concerning matters of current interest to the College community;
• participates with the College in communication with the parent community at large concerning matters of interest to parents of students and alumni;
• serves as a resource to Carleton students and alumni in areas of mutual interest, including careers, internships, and community and political service; and
• participates with the College in nurturing a tradition of parent giving.

Parents are invited by President Oden to serve on the council, and they are selected to represent a range of locations, professions, and interests. By serving on five standing committees, including Careers and Life after Carleton, Parents Fund, Communications and Community, Admissions, and the Student Experience, parents will serve a vital role in examining and advising on College programs and procedures.

The PAC meets on campus on two weekends during the academic year, and participates in parent outreach activities throughout the year. For more information, contact Becky Zrimsek, director of Alumni Affairs: 800-729-2586 or rzrimsek (at) acs.carleton.edu.