Global Connections, Washington State University Global Campus’ student involvement program, is launching a new series of virtual events designed to provide a fun and engaging way for Global Campus students with children to connect with their families as well as other Coug parents.
Titled “Cougs and Their Cubs,” the event series consists of child-centered activities students can participate in with their kids, as well as virtual social events for Coug parents on their own.
“Cougs and Their Cubs is all about giving Global Campus students a fun opportunity to connect, network and engage with their families and fellow Cougs,” said Amanda Terry, a Global Campus student ambassador who is coordinating the event series. “It’s all about building community, both within our own families and within our worldwide family of Global Campus Cougs.”
The first official Cougs and Their Cubs event is scheduled for June 28. “Cougs, Cubs, and Cupcakes” will be a cupcake decorating event for Global Campus students and their kids ahead of the July 4th holiday. The online event is open to all Global Campus students.
“As a current Global Campus student and parent of three, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to juggle college and family life,” said Terry. “We want to provide an inclusive space for parents to take a breath, have some fun with their kids, and interact with their peers who are going through the same types of life experiences that they are.”
“We want to provide an inclusive space for parents to take a breath, have some fun with their kids, and interact with their peers who are going through the same types of life experiences that they are.”
Amanda Terry
Global Campus student ambassador
After the kickoff event in June, monthly Cougs and Their Cubs events are planned for fall semester. Planned events include a “back-to-school tips” discussion and Coug coffee hour for parents only, a pumpkin patch story hour and holiday ornament making party for parents and their kids.
“All these events will revolve around students who are parents. Some events, we want to make fun and engaging for the whole family,” said Andria Donnenwerth, director of the Global Connections program, “but we also want to include some events where our student-parents can have a little break and just socialize among their peers.”
Though the cupcake decorating event is the first official event of the series, Global Campus has recently completed a few “test case” events as a proof of concept for the Cougs and Their Cubs series, with very positive results.
Precursors to Cougs and Their Cubs included a virtual, family bingo night, a Dr. Suess reading day, and a virtual coffee hour for parents to discuss life balance.
“The events went very well. We received great feedback from those in attendance, and we knew that this was an idea we wanted to pursue on a more regular basis,” said Andrea Jimenez, Global Connections program coordinator, who helped run the precursor events.
“Both parents and kids involved had a lot of fun at these events, and that was great to see. We’re looking forward to the future Cougs and Cubs events that we have planned and know that it will be a great new addition to our programming here at Global Campus.”
The Global Connections program serves WSU Global Campus students by offering engaging co- and extra-curricular events and activities — free and fully online. Through Global Connections, students can connect with peers and expert presenters via webinars, livestreamed events, activities, academic contests, and more.
