Subject: Seeking Advice: Sharing Contact Info for Conference Trip
Hi everyone,
I’ll be attending an undergraduate conference soon and I won’t know any of the other students from my university. I’ve chatted with the director of the undergraduate research office and the conference coordinator a few times. My parents are a bit anxious about me going on this trip alone, so they’d like to have the office contact information in case of emergencies.
Is it strange to want to share their info with my parents? Should I check with the director and coordinator first before passing it along? I don’t want them to think it’s odd or intrusive.
Just for some background, the university is organizing and funding this trip, so the director and the coordinator will be overseeing everything and attending the conference with us. I really don’t believe my parents would constantly call or bother them; they just want to ensure I’m safe and sound, especially since they come from a background that emphasizes caution around safety.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
It’s completely understandable for your parents to want some reassurance while you’re away, especially since they might not know anyone else at the conference. It’s not weird to share the contact information of the director and coordinator, especially since they will be involved in overseeing the trip.
However, it’s always a good idea to ask for permission before sharing someone’s contact information. It shows respect for their privacy and helps ensure they’re comfortable with being listed as a point of contact. You could approach the director and coordinator, explain your situation, and ask if they’d be okay with your parents having their contact info just for emergencies. They may appreciate knowing it’s for a legitimate reason and that it’s not meant to be intrusive.
In the end, most people in similar roles would likely understand your parents’ concern and be happy to help. Good luck at the conference!