English Title

Abstract

The family is the first scenario in which students begin to relate positively or negatively with other human beings. It is the most important socializing agency contributing to his and her development. Upbringing patterns and family of origin characteristics exert a great influence in the student's future behavior. Family relationships and the parents'academic standing, among other factors, have a great deal to do with success or failure in their studies. It is important that helping professionals (social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists) get to know the students' family history and background, as well as the family's socio-demographic characteristics in order to help them better attend to their needs and achieve their personal and academic goals. This article presents the findings of the research Needs assessment and socio-demographic profile of parents of new students in the academic year 2009-2010, performed at the Río Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. A descriptive analysis was done as well as the correlations between parents' socio-demographic profile and the students starting college. As an added contribution, the article documents the most immediate needs these parents face regarding their children.