The Host Family Program is a valued part of Kansas Wesleyan University and provides a great connection for KWU students with the Salina community.
If you're interested in being a host family, we have included a form at the bottom of the page to fill out, and the appropriate member of KWU staff will reach out to you based on your interest group to be a host family for.
In order to maintain institutional control and ensure there are no NAIA violations that jeopardize the eligibility of a student-athlete, it’s important that the program be monitored by the university. In addition, both students and host families have asked the university for guidance regarding the operation of the program.
The Host Family Program is not limited to student-athletes! We look forward to matching you with talented KWU students who are involved on our campus in many ways.
There are clear boundaries in the program, but on occasion decisions may fall into a grey area regarding NAIA rules or other University polices. Therefore, there are several Kansas Wesleyan resources available to address individual questions. Host families with questions related to intercollegiate athletics and NAIA polices are encouraged to call Miguel Paredes, Director of Athletics, (785) 833-4567. Questions specifically to Fine Arts students can be directed to Michelle Dolan, Executive Director of Music, (785) 833-4338. Questions related to other students should be directed to Bridget Weiser, Vice President for Student and Community Engagement. (785) 833-4325.
The Host Family Program is designed to provide a connection to the Salina community for out-of-town students. Host families are encouraged to participate in the following activities:
- Host students at your home for an occasional meal.
- Host students for family activities, such as pumpkin carving at Halloween, Easter egg hunts, holiday celebrations, or other activities that your family enjoys
- Attend Kansas Wesleyan events and support your host students. An example of this would be host families providing snack items (cookies, fruit) to a team at games.
- Advise the student on services in the community, like recommending places for haircuts, restaurants, entertainment, dentists, shopping, etc.
The following activities would
not be appropriate for Host Families:
- Loan money to students
- Serve alcohol to students (of any age)
- Purchase books or living expense items for the students
- Pay any portion of tuition, room or board directly
- Loan the student a car
- Provide housing for a student without charging fair market value. A student may stay at the home of a host family when providing a specific service (i.e., housesitting, etc.), but not beyond one week without a rental agreement.
- Purchase clothing or gift items for a student
- Fund medical care or benefits
Host Family Guidelines (PDF)
Host Family Interest Form
