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Navigating Rutgers University can sometimes feel overwhelming—not just for students, but for parents and families, too! There's a lot to process, from roommate issues to figuring out organic chemistry, parking permits, and scoring football tickets. And let’s face it—while our students are diving into their college experience, we parents often find ourselves with questions of our own. That’s where the R Family Council comes in.

If you’re new to Rutgers—or even if you’ve been here a while—the R Family Council is here to help you feel engaged, informed, and connected to the Rutgers community. This dedicated group of Rutgers–New Brunswick parents and families works closely with the Division of Student Affairs to support families like yours. Together, we’re building stronger connections to the university while supporting the growth and success of our students.

What Is the R Family Council?

The Council is made up of passionate parent volunteers who’ve been in your shoes. They’ve felt the excitement, the nerves, and the uncertainty of sending a student off to college, and they’re here to share their knowledge and experiences with you.

Council members come from all walks of life and represent a diverse array of perspectives. They include parents from various schools within Rutgers, families with students in different years, and even members from across different states. Despite their varied backgrounds, they share a common goal: to support parents and families like you as you navigate the Rutgers experience.

If you’ve attended Parent Orientation, joined a Parent Send-Off event, or participated in Family Weekend, chances are you’ve already met some of our amazing Council members.

What Does the Council Do?

• Advocacy: The Council serves as an advisory group, sharing insights and feedback from families with the university to enhance the family experience.
• Event Support: The council helps plan and support events for families, such as orientation programs, family weekends, and social gatherings. These events provide opportunities for families to engage with the university, meet other families, and learn more about university life.
• Communications & Collaboration: The council ensures that clear and accurate information is shared with families. They work closely with the university to provide updates on policies, academic calendars, events, or changes that impact students and their families.
• Community Building: The council fosters a sense of community among families. This includes sharing their experiences through Parent Q&A Sessions, volunteering at events, and supporting other families as they navigate their students’ academic journeys.

Council members meet regularly to discuss ways to improve services for parents and families and to support the efforts of the Office of Parent and Family Engagement. By sharing their perspectives and in with university staff, they play an important role in shaping the Rutgers family experience.

Get Involved or Learn More!

Want to know more about the R Family Council? Stay tuned—we will share information soon about the virtual R Family Interest Meeting in January, where you can meet the current members and hear their personal stories. You’ll discover how volunteering with the Council has brought them joy and connection while enhancing the Rutgers experience for other families.

At Rutgers, you’re not just sending your student off to college—you’re becoming part of a vibrant, supportive community. The R Family Council is here to help you every step of the way. Follow the Office of Parent and Family Engagement for updates, and connect with us at future events. We can’t wait to meet you!