The Eastern faculty has varying plans for this weekend.

Leslie Hyder, a journalism professor, plans to go out of town this weekend to visit family members in Tennessee.

He will not be able to participate in Family Weekend, but he did discuss how important family weekend is to students and their relatives.

“I think that any opportunity to have parents visit campus is beneficial. They can get a taste of how their child lives and interacts at Eastern,” Hyder said.

Brenda Knotts, a biological sciences professor, agreed.

“It is important because they can show (family members) where they live, what they do, and have a fun weekend together,” Knotts said.

Marjorie Worthington, an associate professor of English, also has plans for this weekend.

“I’m going to spend this weekend with my two kids. I have a soccer game to go to and also Vet Day at the U of I that the veterinary school is having,” Worthington said.

Not only is family weekend an opportunity for students to spend time with their family and have fun, but it is also an advantage to experience Eastern.

“It is also beneficial for the university to have family members and friends gain a better understanding of the university, and I think it helps with recruiting future students as they are introduced to the lifestyle,” Hyder said.

Worthington also discussed the benefit of family weekend.

“Even though family can cramp your style, it is important because I think that family members enjoy seeing what we do here,” Worthington said.

The importance of faculty participation during Family Weekend was also discussed.

“It is important to parents to have a chance to meet the professors that are teaching their sons and daughters,” Hyder said.

Worthington also explained the aspect of faculty participation.

“I think it’s nice for faculty to participate to the extent that they can, but this weekend is more about students and their time with their families,” Worthington said.

There are instances where faculty become involved in family weekend.

There are many members of the faculty that are going to tailgate and go to the football game, and there is also an alumni table present.

Family Weekend is a chance for students and faculty to spend time with their family and friends and take part in the many activities that are planned.

Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-7942 or rjrodgers@eiu.edu.