Parents Weekend takes place at the U this weekend

Highlights include a welcome from the president, a parent-student scavenger hunt and the U’s Physics Force

What: Parents Weekend 2011
Where: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus
When: Friday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 2

More than 1,400 family members will converge on the University of Minnesota this Friday through Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, for Parents Weekend 2011.

Parents Weekend is an opportunity for parents to reconnect with their student, learn more about campus programs and services, see the university through their student’s eyes and explore the larger Twin Cities community with their son or daughter.

This year’s schedule is designed to help parents and their student make new memories together, with a special focus on academics, campus life and the community.

Saturday’s highlights include:

10 a.m.: Kickoff
Welcome from Vice Provost for Student Affairs Jerry Rinehart and Parent Program Director Marjorie Savage. Great Hall, Coffman Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis.

10:15 to -11:45 a.m.: StrengthsQuest
U of M students are focusing on their strengths and leadership skills as they work toward a college degree and a future career. This will be an opportunity for families to learn how they can support their student’s strengths and consider taking the Gallup StrengthsQuest assessment themselves. More than a million students across the U.S. have learned about their strengths through this program based on research of the highest performers in hundreds of different roles. Great Hall.

Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Meet President and Mrs. Kaler
U of M President Eric Kaler and his wife, Karen, address parents and students and present a special keepsake. Coffman Theater.

1 to 2 p.m.: Lunch
Families will enjoy lunch while mingling with the Kalers and other university leaders. Great Hall.

2 to 3 p.m.: Physics Force
Physics Force is a group of physics and astronomy faculty members in the College of Science and Engineering who put on a physics circus of entertaining demonstrations. Physics Force educates and entertains with their blend of slapstick, prop comedy and science. Great Hall.

3:15 to 4:30 p.m.: The Great Campus Quest
Teams of parents and students will explore campus solving clues, finding treasures and completing challenges while discovering the university in a new way. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Starts at the Great Hall.