Despite the easy “hovering helicopter parent” jokes, we don’t think that the Wesleyan parent listserv is an inherently bad thing. Like students using facebook, parents can use the listserv to connect with the community and exchange constructive information. And it’s kind of cool that parents might get to be friends with each other. Still, the recent flurry of posts about Usdan’s first week problems show how quickly rumors and tempers can escalate online.
As young people, we’re all too aware of how quickly the Internet can detach from reality. The Argus would like to offer a list of humble suggestions to our dear parents using the listserv:
1. Let the listserv be a place for community and constructive sharing. Gossip and rumors are dangerous online. (We should know.)
2. Privacy is important. Please refrain from identifying students by name, unless they specifically give you permission to do so.
3. If you want to identify yourself, think first of whether or not divulging your identity will unfairly identify a student on campus.
4. If you want more information about campus life, you can always subscribe to The Argus! (Look up the information on our website.)
Thanks, moms and dads. We love you guys.
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