One of the small highlights of my past three years at Chatham University has been the snippets my mom sends me from the “Chatham University Parents” Facebook Group.
That’s right — I’ve seen all your parents’ posts about roommate drama and the size of the Pelletreau Apartment closets – Mrs. Clark, your daughter will be fine, but bringing some extra storage bins can’t hurt!
It’s endearing to see the parent-focused advice, from where to stay when visiting Chatham to what essentials their incoming freshman will need. But recently, the tone has shifted. Now, these same parents are voicing concerns typically reserved for the most in-the-know students.
Take this post from Oct. 22, for example: “Something to note about dining services is that it has long been run by a company, Parkhurst, on a no-bid contract. A member of the board of trustees owns Parkhurst.”
I paused. This isn’t the usual “My sweet girl Shannon joined the Chess Club today!” post that I’ve come to expect. Instead, it’s the type of concern you’d overhear at a Chatham Student Government meeting or in hushed whispers between students who are deeply engaged with campus issues.
Now, I’m not saying parents shouldn’t be concerned about potential mismanagement or nepotism, but the fact that these concerns are becoming so apparent that even parents are talking about them is deeply troubling. It highlights how widespread the problems at Chatham are and just how poor the University’s communication has become.
In my opinion, there’s a difference between my mom knowing about the well-discussed deficit Chatham is facing and knowing the name of the president of the Board of Trustees.
When parents start getting involved at this level, it underscores an inevitable breaking point for students. We’re talking more — whether it’s on Yik Yak or during phone calls home. Concerns are growing, and they’re happening more often than we care to admit. One week it’s winter commencement being canceled, the next it’s the closure of Orchard Hall.. And honestly, I wish I could say I was surprised.
I bring a few unique perspectives to this discussion: I’m a member of Communiqué, a CSG member and a chronic Yik Yak user. Through these roles, I’ve seen firsthand how the communication gap at Chatham is widening, leaving students frustrated and in the dark.
Now more than ever, it’s hard to get the answers we need. We’re not asking for the Board’s meeting minutes — just shoot us an email, keep us in the loop! Chatham is undergoing huge changes, and it often feels like the people most affected — the students — are an afterthought.
We’re tired of feeling that way, and the fact that parents are now catching on should be a wake-up call to the administration.
