Subject: Can I Share My Research Office Director’s Contact Info with My Parents?
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to an undergraduate conference soon and, honestly, I don’t really know anyone else attending from my university. I’ve had a couple of conversations with the director of the undergraduate research office and the conference coordinator. My parents, feeling a bit anxious about me going on this trip alone, have asked for their contact information in case of emergencies.
Do you think it’s strange to share their office number with my parents? Should I ask the director and coordinator for permission before passing along their contact details? I’m a little worried it might come off as odd or intrusive.
Just to clarify, the university is organizing and covering the costs for this trip, so the director and coordinator will be overseeing everything and accompanying us to the conference. I believe my parents won’t be the type to constantly call or bother them if I don’t respond right away; their intentions are purely to ease their minds, especially since they come from a culture that tends to be more cautious about safety.
Thanks for your thoughts!
It’s completely understandable that your parents want to have a way to contact someone during your trip for peace of mind, especially if they are concerned about your safety. Given that the university is organizing and funding the trip, it would be appropriate to provide the director’s contact number to your parents.
However, it’s always a good idea to be considerate and ask for permission before sharing someone’s contact information. You could explain your situation to the director or conference coordinator and let them know that your parents would like to have their contact information for emergencies. Most likely, they will appreciate that you are being responsible and looking out for your parents’ concerns.
Also, if the director and coordinator are going to be supervising the trip, they may not mind being contacted in case of an emergency. Just be upfront about the situation, and they will likely be understanding and supportive. It’s not weird at all; it’s just responsible communication.