Parents Advisory Council

Welcome to the UMass Amherst Parents Advisory Council

The council is designed to give parents and families the opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping and enriching the undergraduate experience of all UMass Amherst students and families. We also hope to increase family involvement on campus by expanding opportunities for volunteerism and advocacy.

Families are encouraged to apply for council membership by completing the advisory council application. Any parent or family member who has a student enrolled as an undergraduate can apply for council membership. We accept applications in fall and spring semesters. 

As a council member, you will be asked to attend two on-campus meetings per year: one in the fall (at Family Weekend, in September or October) and one in the spring (the last Sunday spring break in March); and participate in at least one of the council’s ongoing projects and volunteer activities. Council members are appointed for two years.

Thank you for your interest in serving UMass Amherst! 

How to Reach Us

Join the UMass Amherst Family to Family Facebook group for networking, discussions, and more.
NOTE: This is a closed group. You will be asked to confirm your status as a UMass Amherst family member and provide your student's name and class year. You will not have access to the group if you do not answer the questions.

Visit the UMass Amherst Family to Family blog.

Student Care Supply Closets Fund
As part of the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund, the Dean of Students Office hosts five Student Care Supply Closets throughout campus. Supply closets offers free toiletries and other household items for low-income students and/or students facing an unexpected financial emergency. Students can access these items by meeting with a staff member in the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success, the Student Veteran Resource Center, the Family Resource Center, or the Off Campus Student Center. Donate to the fund here!

Food Insecurity Fund
Food insecurity on college campuses is a growing concern across the nation, as recent surveys have identified that more than 1 in 3 college students were recently food insecure. UMass Amherst is committed to combatting this issue and supporting all students at UMass who are experiencing food insecurity. If you are in a position to do so, please consider joining us in supporting this important initiative.

We appreciate your contribution and generosity!

Council Bylaws

Last Updated Fall 2020

Committee Descriptions

Last Updated February 2019