Parents’ Perceptions of Involvement in Their Students’ First Year in College

Higher education administrators’ expectations of parental involvement have been based on legal implications, research regarding best practices, and student development theories. Little is known, however, about parents’ perceptions of their involvement in college, particularly in students’ first year in college. This research study sought to determine differences, if any, between parents’ perceptions of their level of involvement and parents’ demographic characteristics. Results indicated perceptual differences based on students’ status as a first-generation college student, ethnicities, and students’ anticipated residence for the first year of college. Findings from this research have the potential to inform institutions as they establish parent-university partnerships.