The Mizzou Families Advisory Council (MFAC) represents a select group of engaged families and industry representatives who serve in a non-governing, advisory capacity to the Mizzou Families program to strengthen Mizzou’s family engagement initiatives. Members provide insight, advocacy, and philanthropic support, and serve as ambassadors for the Mizzou experience on and off campus.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Mizzou Families Advisory Council will have its first council meeting: Tuesday, April 28 11:00 a.m. CST/Noon EST Virtual (Link to follow)
Advisory Council members will:
- Provide feedback on programs and services supporting student success
- Participate in regular discussions and surveys shaping family-focused initiatives
- Advocate for a welcoming, involved and student-centered environment
- Support local and regional outreach within the Mizzou Families network
- Promote Mizzou within their personal and local network
- Volunteer for Mizzou Families programming as available.
Advisory Council Member Expectations:
- Attend quarterly council meetings (primarily virtual, with one in-person annually)
- Serve at least one year (two years preferred)
- Participate in subcommittees and volunteer opportunities as able
- Maintain confidentiality when sensitive topics are discussed
- Engage respectfully and collaboratively with fellow members and staff
- Share feedback from families between meetings
- Uphold the advisory nature of the council (not a governing body)
Annual Investment: Any amount. A two-year commitment is strongly encouraged to ensure continuity and build lasting relationships.
Advisory Council Members receive:
- Name or logo recognition on a dedicated Mizzou Families Advisory Council webpage
- Invitations to exclusive meetings and receptions held by Mizzou Families
- Discounted registration for major Mizzou Families events such as Family Weekend
- A dedicated seat on the Advisory Council for the noted term
Advisory Council Leadership Circle
There will be an exclusive group of thought leaders in the Mizzou Families Advisory Council, known as our Mizzou Families Leadership Circle. Leadership Circle members are charged with ensuring the sustainable operation of the Mizzou Families Advisory Council, providing input and strategic insight on high-impact initiatives and providing philanthropic support to the Mizzou Families program or other initiatives supported within the Division of Student Affairs. This is more than a philanthropic commitment - it's an opportunity to share your perspective with university leadership, applying your expertise to shape a model of excellence in university-family partnership and elevate Mizzou’s national reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Mizzou Families Advisory Council (MFAC)? The MFAC exists to strengthen the partnership between Mizzou and its families by providing feedback, fostering engagement, supporting communication efforts, and advancing initiatives that promote student success and belonging. What is my role as a council member? Council members serve as thought partners, connectors, and advocates by:
- Sharing family perspectives
- Providing feedback on programs and communications
- Helping shape family engagement efforts
- Representing Mizzou positively within their networks
How often does the council meet? The council meets quarterly, primarily virtually, with one in-person meeting each year (typically during Family Weekend or a major campus event). How long is the term of service? Members serve a minimum of one year, with two years preferred to support continuity and effectiveness. What is the expected time commitment? In addition to quarterly meetings, members may:
- Serve on a subcommittee
- Volunteer at select events
- Participate in surveys or feedback sessions Overall, MFAC is designed to be impactful while remaining manageable for busy families.
Is this a governing body or a decision-making group? No. MFAC serves in an advisory capacity. Recommendations and insights are shared with Mizzou Families staff and campus partners, who consider them in planning and decision-making. Am I expected to make a financial contribution? Council members are encouraged to support Mizzou and Student Affairs priorities at a level meaningful and affordable to their family. Members who contribute $5,000 or more annually are recognized within the Leadership Circle, which includes additional strategic and leadership engagement. What is the difference between MFAC and the Leadership Circle? All Leadership Circle members are part of MFAC, but Leadership Circle members:
- Provide enhanced strategic and philanthropic leadership
- Engage more directly with senior university leadership
- Support the long-term sustainability of family initiatives through leadership-level giving
Can I suggest topics or raise concerns? Yes! Members are encouraged to:
- Suggest agenda topics
- Share emerging family needs
- Bring forward concerns or opportunities for improvement Your voice is central to the council’s success.
What if I can’t attend a meeting? Members should notify Mizzou Families in advance. When possible, members may designate a representative or submit feedback prior to the meeting. What is the Leadership Circle? The Leadership Circle is a distinction within the Mizzou Families Advisory Council for members who provide enhanced strategic and philanthropic leadership in support of family engagement and student success. How does Leadership Circle participation differ from general MFAC membership? Leadership Circle members:
- Engage more directly in strategic conversations
- May be invited to select briefings with senior university leadership
- Provide philanthropic leadership supporting Mizzou Families priorities
- Serve as visible champions for the program across networks
What is the expected philanthropic commitment? Leadership Circle members are encouraged to make an annual investment of $5,000 or more to the MFAC, aligned with:
- Mizzou Families initiatives
- Student success priority giving areas
- Student Affairs strategic goals
Gifts may be directed based on personal interest or industry interest in partnership with Advancement. How is my giving used? Leadership Circle philanthropy supports:
- Family engagement programming
- Communication and outreach initiatives
- Student success efforts connected to family support
- Program growth and sustainability
You will receive updates demonstrating the impact of your investment. Will I be contacted about giving? Yes. An Advancement partner will reach out to:
- Answer questions
- Discuss areas of interest
- Ensure your giving aligns with your philanthropic goals
This outreach is intended to be supportive and consultative, not transactional. Are Leadership Circle members recognized publicly? Yes, with your consent. Leadership Circle members may be recognized through:
- Mizzou Families publications
- Select events
- Program materials
Recognition preferences will always be honored. What if my philanthropic capacity changes? We understand that circumstances evolve. Leadership Circle status is flexible and reviewed annually. Our goal is partnership, not pressure.