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A Welcome Letter to Parents

August 15, 2009

Dear Parents:

Welcome to Auburn University and the Auburn family. I am sure you and your student had several institutions to choose from; I am delighted that your family chose Auburn to continue your student’s education. If this is your first student enrolled at Auburn, welcome to the Plains. You will find Auburn to be a pleasant town with a great University. If your student is returning to Auburn, then welcome back. You already know how special this place is.

My family and I are new to Auburn University. My wife, daughter, and I moved to Auburn this summer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although we are new to Auburn, we are not new to the South.  My wife grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and I grew up in Miami, Florida. Our daughter was born in Gainesville, Florida. The South is home.

If you have not already, please consider joining the Auburn University Parents’ Association (AUPA). Susan Pendleton, President of the Parents’ Association, and the Parents’ Association Advisory Board have been working diligently to provide a greater array of services for Auburn parents. Coming this fall, the University’s homepage will have a link for parents, making resources for parents easier to access. Please continue to share your thoughts and ideas with your Parents’ Association representative; we want to hear from you.

I would like to ask your help in enforcing three messages that I shared in my letter to students I asked them to make three important commitments:

1. Make a commitment to going to class. The single most important factor in a student’s academic success in college will be their commitment to showing up for class on time and prepared. Nothing will be more valuable than the time they spend with their professors and classmates in class. Studies show that students who attend class regularly outperform by a full letter grade those who attend class sparingly. Go to class.
2. Get Involved. Auburn University has more than 200 student clubs and organizations. I want to encourage students to get involved in a club/organization or to start one of their own. Make a part of this world better through volunteer service; workout in the Student Activity Center; participate in a study abroad experience; or become a resident advisor. There are hundreds of opportunities to get involved here at Auburn. Attendance is not enough, get involved.
3. Be Safe. We live in one of the most beautiful and safest towns in America. In order to maintain that sense of safety and security, we must be collectively vigilant about taking care of ourselves and each other. Assist a friend in need, report suspicious behavior, ask for help when needed, and do not drink and drive. Students’ safety is our top priority.

Again, thank you for choosing Auburn. I am sure that you will find Auburn, Alabama to be one of the best towns in America and Auburn University to be a first-class institution. Please share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas with us through the Parents’ Association; we are here to help you help your student.

Let’s have a great year. War Eagle!

Ainsley Carry, Ed. D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

Last Updated: Nov. 19, 2010