Our Mission
Parental involvement is an essential component in the success of a university student.

Our mission is to foster open communication between the university and parents (or guardians) of Northern Arizona University students, and to encouraging interest, participation and support, thus enhancing the quality of both the student and parent experience during their years directly associated with Northern Arizona University.

Benefits to the University
Your support benefits the university in countless ways.  In past years, Parents' Association Special Projects Grants funding benefited many students and their families:

• Career Services, SIGI (an online career exploration web program) and Career Guidance Programs
• Student Life, NAU LEADS (Leadership Education and Development for Students)
• International Student Recruitment, First International Alumni Reception
• Education, Navajo Family Focus groups
• Arts and Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences Bookmarks
• Alumni Relation, Volunteer Network (VAN) brochure

Family members of our students volunteer time and energy in a number of campus and regional programs. 

• Orientation
• On-campus events
• Legislative outreach and advocacy
• Student recruitment and retention
• Career Services
• Student service programs
• Regional programs
• Continuing education programs

Parents' Association Benefits to You!

• Eligibility to earn scholarships, with preference given to students of Parents' Association members. Raffle ticket sales support Parents' Association scholarships.
• Significant academic-year discounts for accommodations, meals and purchases enabling you to save far more than the cost of your annual membership throughout the year.
• “NAUPA Backpack” – our e-mail newsletter that gives you behind the scenes tips on housing and financial aid deadlines, insight on guiding you student to a successful graduation, and more.
• Quarterly newsletters with parent alerts on everything from homesickness to sophomore slump, changing majors, and the unique problems of transfer students.
• Website and e-mail links that give you access to the answers you need just when you need them most.
• 15% Bookstore discount on many items during Family Weekend (other parents receive 10%.) See retail/services section for restrictions.
• Personal invitations to on-campus and regional events. Early notice of family travel opportunities.
• Opportunities to make a difference through Parents' Association board participation or committees, or to get involved in the volunteer network which “seals the deal” for prospective students and de-mystifies interviewing and shadowing opportunities for current students.
• Active connection to the university that expands your resources, provides networking opportunities, and enables you to serve as an informal advocate for your student.