Monday, November 16, 2009

How should I respond to an intrusive family questionnaire for a summer orientation?

I am starting college in the fall as a married, adult student. Like most schools, the school has a questionnaire they want me to fill out. My parents (and possibly my wife) will be accompanying me to move in. I understand that to plan well, they need to know how many people are coming for the move-in orientation.





But do they really need to know the job titles, marital statuses, company names, work numbers (and addresses) of my parents? Name and address of paternal and maternal grandparents ?!





I refuse to give such personal info. What's the best way to respond?

How should I respond to an intrusive family questionnaire for a summer orientation?
Thousands of forms in the world ask for information that should not be requested. The best policy is to leave blank anything you don't feel they need to know.





Most of the time you will find they don't even question what you leave out. If they really need to know, they can ask you (at which time I hope you ask "why do you need to know?).
Reply:Unless they specify any information as being mandatory, you can leave them blank or N/A.
Reply:just put NA in those places
Reply:On that part of the questionnaire, simply write N/A (which means not applicable). What they're tyring to do is get names for a donor base. Proud relatives of students will be hit up for donations to any number of worthwhile projects. As a married student, you are a little beyond this. So give whatever info you feel comfortable with and simply n/a the rest.


Good luck in your studies!
Reply:My question is why are you living on campus when you are married? They are gearing these "move in" questions to younger, just out of high school students. I'd consider moving closer to campus with your wife before living in a dorm.
Reply:The college wants to know who to contact in an emergency and how to reach them. This is usually the parents, but not always. Just provide the information you want them to have, and leave the rest blank. This is common, and they won't give you any trouble about it. They sometimes also use this info for fundraising purposes, so you may be well advised to keep it to yourselves.
Reply:I would just put "not applicable" on the form. I am pretty sure that those questions are for the just out of high school crowd.


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