This was presented at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) South Central Region 7 Conference - New Orleans, LA. May 6, 2009; at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Advising Conference - San Antonio, TX. December 4, 2009; Texas State University - San Marcos Professional Development Workshop February 9 & 10, 2010; and at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) National Conference - Orlando, FL. October 3, 2010.

1. “IT’S MY MONEY! IT’S MY APPOINTMENT!”
How to Combat Helicopter Parents

2. Presenters
Matthew Haynes
Temple Clark
Ashley Ransom

3. Texas State
Information
Four-Year State Institution
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Total Enrollment 29,105
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Undergraduate Enrollment
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24,810
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Millennial Student
Enrollment 20,511

4. Debriefing
(Workshop Overview)
What is a Helicopter Parent? Strategy Tactics
Who are our Students? Double agents
Arsenal! - Materials to Questions and
Prepare Advisors Suggestions
Strategy
Pre-Emptive
Border
Personal Territory
After the dust settles

5. What is a Helicopter Parent?
“The number one thing to realize with the Millennials
is that as a whole they reflect much more parental
perfectionism than any generation in living
memory. Colleges and universities should know
How do you define a Helicopter that they are not
just getting a kid, but they are also getting a parent.”
Parent?
William Strauss
Author, Millennials Rising
The definition from the pros....
Helicopter Parents=Potential!

6. Millennial Generation
Born in or after 1982 Emphasis on final product rather than
methods of achieving said product
High-achieving
Conventional
Intelligent
Sheltered
Optimistic
Self-Assured
Lack preparedness typically resulting
from over-attentive guardians Team-oriented
Experiencing high levels of stress and Racially diverse
anxiety
Extremely close with parents
On cutting edge of technology
proficiency

7. Arsenal! - Materials to Prepare
Advisors
What advisors need to know and
have?
Patience
Listen
FERPA
Knowing what is offered at your
University for Parents
Parents Handbook
Parents Association
New Student Orientation

8. Pre-Emptive Strike

9. Pre-Emptive Strike

10. Border

11. Border

12. Personal Territory

13. Personal Territory

14. After the Dust Settles

15. After the Dust Settles

16. Strategic Tactics
Understanding that we will never be rid of “TRUE”
Helicopter Parents
We should want ALL parents to be Helicopter
Parents to an extent
Make Helicopter Parents into DOUBLE AGENTS!
Parental Support was a significant predictor of
college grade point average
Keep students AND parents informed on changes to
programs and other changes to the College/
University
Clarify expectations up front, provide structure,
provide realistic advising, suggest mentoring options
(if available)

17. Conclusion
WE should embrace Helicopter parents
because they help :
Increase institutional support
Positive influences in students lives
Assists in keeping students
accountable
Helps to ensure a Greater Student
Success Rate

18. Questions and Suggestions