I remember my parents visiting me and sitting in on classes, and I sat in on a couple of my sister’s classes (at UMDCP) in the olden days. Is it still done? This would be just one class, but it’s a smallish one. What is the etiquette?
Actually, I think you need to think about campus security. Random folks usually aren’t allowed.
I would start by having the student ask the professor if it would be OK.
Yes, have your child ask her professor if it would be OK for you to sit in on class. I bet the prof will be fine with it!
We sat in on some classes when we were touring schools (and parents were allowed to join too) and I got to tour the lab where my D was working her senior year. The prof running the lab pulled me into his office and chatted with me for nearly an hour! It was great!
Ask the professor first. And find out what procedure you need to be an allowed guest.
Remember, when you are on a tour, you have already signed in with admissions. You probably also have visitor tags. You are entering buildings with a student ambassador guide.
Sadly, campus security is paramount. But I’m sure there is a way to gain you clearance to be allowed to join the class…if the professor is OK with that.
Sounds like a cool idea. I never thought of the but I’m pretty sure my D would not have agreed ![]()
I think the proper etiquette, after obtaining permission from the teacher, is to wear a t-shirt with a big picture of your child on the front with a dumb look on their face, with the words [child’s name] Mom. It builds character ![]()
Fantastic idea! The larger-than-life foam-head fan portrait of him was going to be too hard to bring on the plane.
Definitely ask. DS toured several schools that invited students to attend classes - and they posted a list of what was available on that day. (Presumably, this avoided classes where there were tests, labs, etc.) All were explicit that it was students only. My kid was happy for that!
At parent’s weekend, otoh, tons of classes were open to parents.
This is all to say, even when planned, there were restrictions, based on everything from seating availability to nature of class.