Parents and Families

Welcome to a community of more than 7,000 active current and former parents. The Office of the Parents Fund and Family Programs offers programs and services that will introduce you to the Bucknell community and keep you connected long after graduation.

As you prepare to arrive at Bucknell, please keep the programs and services below in mind. We welcome your questions at parents@bucknell.edu, or 570-577-3200. We look forward to seeing you on campus in August.

Bison Gatherings - Bison Gatherings are welcome receptions held in July and August to provide first-year students and their families the opportunity to meet other incoming first-year students and families, current students, parents, alumni and other members of the Bucknell community.  These gatherings are typically held in the homes of other Bucknell families and alumni who answer your questions and help you as a new member of the Bucknell family.  First-year students will receive their invitation in June.  Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with Bucknellians!  For details, please visit:  http://www.bucknell.edu/BisonGatherings.

Parents Association - All parents of Bucknell students are automatically members of the Parents Association. About 80 parents on the Parents Board oversee the association. Parents Association membership includes a subscription to Bucknell World magazine, invitations to Bucknell Club and Network events, and a monthly e-newsletter Family Connections. These events provide parents and families with the opportunity to network and to catch up on campus news.

The Bucknell Experience - A guide for entering students and families is produced by the Office of the Parents Fund and Family Programs in collaboration with other campus offices.  The guidebook contains information about campus, and answers frequently asked questions, serving as a resource for families during their four years at Bucknell.  The guidebook is mailed to first-year students and their families in June.

Get Involved - Parents of Bucknell students are encouraged to become involved with the University through the volunteer program. Volunteers assist in many realms, including the Parents Fund, First-year Parent Welcome Call Program and the Career Development Center.

Family Weekend - Families are encouraged to visit the University on several major campus weekends to see the campus in action and have fun with other Bucknell families.  Mark your calendar for upcoming Family Weekend 2008, September 26 - 28.  A detailed schedule will be posted on the parents website (www.bucknell.edu/parents) several weeks in advance.

We strongly suggest that you make hotel reservations for Family Weekend now, as local hotels fill up quickly.  You can find lodging information through the Susquehanna Valley Visitor’s Bureau at 800-574-2523 or by visiting www.visitcentralpa.org.  For more information regarding Family Weekend 2008, please visit: www.bucknell.edu/FamilyWeekend