Parent & Family Advisory Council Member Feature

Brandi Neuberger

What surprised you the most about the transition to college for your student?

• The incredible support for students--from academics to adjusting to dorm life and everything in between--provided by Drake University!

What is one piece of advice you would give to parents of first year students? 

• It's time to let your student(s) be accountable for themselves. Ask them if they've used their resources, give encouragement, and send them care packages with fun reminders of home and their new journey in life!

What have you learned about Drake since being on PFAC?

• I've had a wonderful time on PFAC thus far. The amount of information I've learned, from the resources available to students, how Drake University makes adjustments based on student feedback, and the absolute support they show students, in every way possible, is just incredible. Drake University really works to leverage their relationships with both Bulldogs and Bulldog families to create a successful environment for everyone involved. Furthermore, Drake University does everything they can to keep their students safe on campus in every meaning of the word, as well as has safety as a top priority for students while they are taking advantage of the many Global Learning opportunities Drake offers. Finally, Drake University staff and faculty truly listen to feedback and are transparent with communication--even with the "hard" conversations. 

Ahmad Hinds 

What surprised you the most about the transition to college for your student?

• The level of support from all angles.

What is one piece of advice you would give to parents of first year students? 

• Listen to your child student and support them 100%.

What have you learned about Drake since being on PFAC?

• How fun as well as helpful Drake is.

Brigid Ernst

What surprised you the most about the transition to college for your student?

• The challenges my daughter faced with completing work and balancing academic expectations.

What is one piece of advice you would give to parents of first year students? 

• Be supportive, but let your child take the lead on what they want to do and navigating challenges. Encourage them to advocate for themselves and use resources on campus. 

What have you learned about Drake since being on PFAC?

• I have learned a lot about resources and programs on campus that my student can use to be successful. Information from Career Services and the True Blue Skills and opportunities to develop them.