Parents & Families
You have guided your child through many major life moments, and now is the time to help them navigate another major event — going to college. Whether this is your first time through the process or your 10th, you are bound to have questions. Please use us as a resource to help you along the way. Parents generally have questions about the following topics, so browse these areas of our site for information:
Parent Ambassadors
Are you looking for ways to get involved at Alvernia? The university’s success is dependent on the people of our community and there are many meaningful opportunities for parent involvement. Consider becoming a Parent Ambassador and participate in one or more of the following ways:
- Accepted Students Day
Welcome and talk with our prospective parents & students.- Represent Alvernia at College Fair
Lend a hand at a college fair in your neighborhood. Tag team with one of our Admissions’ Counselors or with another Alvernia volunteer.- Volunteer at June Connection Days and/or August New Student Orientation (Move-In Day)
Welcome and talk with our incoming parents & students. Help them get settled into their home away from home.- Host A Welcome to Alvernia Reception in Your Region
Partner with the Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement to plan an event to welcome and introduce our newest Golden Wolves and their families. (Summer Send-Offs)- Homecoming & Family Weekend
Offer your ideas and assistance in planning events/programs for parents.- Letter-Writing Campaign
Write a letter of reassurance to accepted students encouraging them to enroll at Alvernia or send welcome notes to first-year parents.- Share Your Career Expertise
Serve as an interviewer for Mock Interview Mania, Host a student(s) during Take A Golden Wolf to Work Week, or Provide internship, externship and job opportunities.- Be A Recruiter
Share your student’s and your Alvernia experience with friends, neighbors and acquaintances in your community, at work etc.- Support Alvernia
A gift will enhance your student’s education and future students.
Recent News
Nine Student Undergraduate Research Fellows Present Summer Projects
Faculty members provide mentorship and valuable experiential learning opportunity through annual SURF program
Penn Medicine named Alvernia's official sports medicine provider
Care provided at the Penn Medicine - Alvernia Medical and Counseling Center will expand to include specialized sports medicine expertise, strengthening a shared commitment to high‑quality, inclusive care for every student.
Remembering Polly Mathys
51³Ô¹Ï mourns the loss of Polly Mathys, a beloved educator, mentor, devoted supporter of Alvernia Athletics and the arts, and faithful steward of our Franciscan values.
Upcoming Events
TExpL Graduate Certificate Information Session
- Aug 10, 2026
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Join us for an information session to learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurship, offered by Total Experience Learning at 51³Ô¹Ï. Led by Caryn Stopper, Executive Director of Enrollment and Outreach, you will hear more about:
• The application process
• A deeper understanding of the four courses in the graduate certificate
• The seamless pathway to an advanced degree with 51³Ô¹Ï
Total Experience Learning
Data Analytics Virtual Information Session
- Aug 11, 2026
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Zoom Virtual Event
Join us for a virtual information session on August 11, where you’ll learn more about our Data Analytics program. The Master of Science in Data Analytics provides a flexible, accessible and affordable program that equips graduates with advanced skills to effectively navigate the complexities of data analysis and make informed decisions that meet the demands of modern businesses and operations.
Grad & Adult Admissions
Grad School 101: Getting Started This Fall
- Aug 12, 2026
- 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
- Zoom Virtual Event
Join us for Grad School 101: Getting Started This Fall, where you’ll learn more about how to prepare for graduate classes at 51³Ô¹Ï.
Grad & Adult Admissions
