August 11, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A FIRST FOR THE UH:

PTA UNIT ON CAMPUS

In an effort to involve parents in their children’s college education, the University of Hawaii now boasts a PTA unit. 

“Not only is this a first for Hawaii, the Parents and Friends of UH Manoa PTA is the first college level parent group to be chartered under the umbrella of the National PTA, ” said Don Hayman, president of the Hawaii State PTSA, which recently accepted the UH PTA into its ranks.

“We’re excited to be a part of the PTA as we hope to work with the University to enhance campus life and foster pride in the University of Hawaii,” said Dr. Theresa Wee, a UH graduate who is serving as the newly elected president of the UH-Manoa PTA.

“Our primary goals are:  1) to keep parents informed about issues that affect our students and to allow for parental input with respect to their concerns: 2) to provide a network for parents and establish a link for mainland, neighbor island, and other absentee parents; and 3) to help enhance the college experience for students at Manoa,” Wee said.

The college-level PTA had its genesis over a year ago when Wee and parents of 3,000 other resident students were invited to the Manoa campus Center by then interim housing director Margit Watts for the purpose of launching a UH Parents Association. Margit Watts had a vision to create a UH Manoa College Town which involved the parents, and the neighboring community. That gathering evolved into the formation of the “Parents and Friends of UH Manoa” which has now added “PTA” to its title.

“With parents of over 3,000 students living in the dorms, we feel a PTA unit can be beneficial in working with the University on issues of concern and creating a network of support for the students, parents, faculty and administration,” Wee said.

Hayman echoed that, saying an active PTA could play a key role on college campuses.  Parent involvement, no matter what the grade level will be a positive voice and help to work out solutions to problems facing students, professors, administrators and the community.

Some of the current issues of concern are:

• Underage and binge drinking
• Health and security of the students
• Campus housing shortages
• Parking issues

“We’ve very pleased to see the active involvement of parents in efforts to improve the learning and living environment on campus,” said Interim UH Manoa Chancellor Denise Konan.  “We welcome this partnership with PTA to encourage safe and healthy activities for all of our students.”

The PTA unit will set up a booth at the upcoming dormitory check-in to kick off its membership drive, to welcome incoming students and their families and to answer questions. Until the PTA establishes a solid foundation, there is not plan at this time to include students as paying members.  “But we would like to encourage their input,” said Wee.

“Many of the students still feel the PTA is the stuff for younger kids, those in elementary schools.  But if you look at the good high schools, with many of the problems college campuses face, a strong PTA makes a big difference,” Hayman said. 

Chartered in 1927, the Hawaii Congress of Parents, Teachers and Students, also known as the Hawaii State PTSA, is the state’s largest child advocacy organization. With a membership of over 22,000 members, the HSPTSA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, safety and well-being of children and youth.

For further information: Contact Jim McCoy, HSPTSA Community Relations Specialist 
282-3440

Parents and Friends of UH-Manoa PTA

P.O. Box 1733

Aiea, Hawaii  96701

E-mail:  parents@hawaii.edu