Here at the University of Oklahoma where I have a son in graduate school that is teaching English Comp I and II along with a daughter in the Journalism College, we have a Parent Club for the parents with students at the University. I am also President of my daughter's AOII sorority Parent Club.
Parents are encouraged to take an interest in their student here although parents are requested not to talk to professors directly. I agree with that policy and don't think parents should be involved with the professor as there are other channels that can be followed.
When you are paying for your child's education, you don't want to send in money blindly. We had a case where there were problems with a summer course in another country, and I know some parents that complained. It took awhile but finally the program was cancelled due to legitimate complaints.
Universities would be smart to reach out to parents instead of complaining IMHO because they ultimately answer to us who pay the bills whether they like it or not.
"Parents are encouraged to take an interest in their student here although parents are requested not to talk to professors directly. I agree with that policy and don't think parents should be involved with the professor as there are other channels that can be followed."
Parents are requested not to talk to professors directly??? What, are the professors so aloof that they can't answer questions from parents? I would have serious concerns & issues as to what type of mealy-mush the professor is teaching if I can't even address questions to some sanctimonious elitist professor. They're certainly not gods as we all know, and 75% or more of them are liberal/left-wing bigots who delight in passing along their anti-American, leftist philosophies to our kids. I love to challenge these elitist bigots.
Did the college refund the money they had collected from the parents of the students who enrolled in the defective program?
Yes, and Amen. Colleges would be wise to reach out to parents, and to include parents in the process.