Family Support

Participation of Bradley University parents in a number of important areas has become increasingly vital to the University's growth and progress in recent years. Involvement in admissions, placement, student activities, and the Family Fund Projects grants are becoming traditional and indispensable.

Funding for Family Association projects and services are derived from 2 main sources.

  • While every Bradley parent is automatically a member of the Family Association, we do ask for a voluntary annual membership donation of $30 to support family programming.
  • We also rely on unrestricted gifts to support Family Fund Projects in order to ensure that all of the important projects chosen for the year will receive adequate funding. Families may go online to make their Family Fund Projects gifts.

Recipients of 2023 Family Fund Project Grants

BUPD Coffee with a Cop & Crime Prevention Giveaways

The Bradley University Police Department hosts a program designed to improve communication and understanding between officers and students. Coffee with a Cop & Crime Prevention Giveaways create a space for students and officers to build trust and create relationships to leave a positive impact on campus.

Campus Recreation and Athletic Facilities-Instructional Programming

Campus Rec has always offered Group Fitness and Instructional Programs, as a way to offer a physical health aspect to a student’s overall wellness. New programs and equipment have been added each year. In an effort to continue to grow the program, incentives will be offered to participants, like stress balls, foam rollers, etc.

Career Closet

The Career Closet directly benefits Bradley University students by providing interview outfits to those who are unable to afford the clothes they need to make the “best first impression” that they can. This program gives them the foundation for a professional wardrobe.

Campus Recreation and Athletic Facilities-Homecoming Field Day

Campus Rec will be hosting their Homecoming events in a more condensed schedule for the upcoming year. Their most popular and successful event, canoe battleship, will take place midweek. Then a weekend day filled with competitions at Meinen Field in the morning, leading up to the tailgate for the Homecoming Soccer game in the afternoon.

Moss Scholars-Exceptional Minds Mentoring Program

The Moss Scholars program provides Exceptional Minds Mentoring to neurodiverse students to encourage and foster social interaction through mentoring social skills. Much of the “college experience” involves developing and being in social environments. However, many students who identify as neurodiverse struggle in these areas. The Exceptional Minds Mentoring Program was discontinued in 2012, but was revived in the Summer of 2020 as an online platform, and now it is able to provide in-person gatherings and events.

Bradley netWORK Career Management System

Students, alumni, and employers can access the web-based career management system known as Bradley netWORK. People connect with local, regional, and national employers who are looking for interns and employees. This tool provides positive career outcomes through career development, experimental education, and learning opportunities.

Bradley Beekeeping Club

Bradley Beekeeping Club is a brand-new club here on Bradley University’s campus. This club looks to recruit interested students from several majors and explore their interests with this species.

Parent/Family/Supporter Tote Bag

Bradley University’s Family Association provides tote bags for family members and supporters during their orientation session. The bag is great for them to put their orientation materials in and serves as a welcome gift from Bradley University.

Student Activities Office Red Response

To excite the campus, this brand-new spirit initiative encourages the campus community to wear red or Bradley attire to show campus pride. Initially, t-shirts will be given out to students to encourage participation. Then throughout the year, volunteers will approach the community members showing spirit, giving out small prizes and taking their photos, if given permission.

Cullom-Davis Library Study Snacks

During the busy period of finals, the Cullom-Davis library provides study snacks as support and a goodwill toward students during this stressful time. The bags are pre-packaged and ready to go with a couple of options available.

Market 309: Non-Profit Market for Bradley Students

Market 309’s mission is to address food insecurity through improved resources and availability of healthier food options with an emphasis on fresh produce. This partnership is with a local non-profit, Peoria Grown, and the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences. Market 309 has been in operation every Friday from 3 to 5 pm on campus since fall 2021 (with the exception of breaks). Market 309 is able to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other staples (i.e. bread, peanut butter) to students at a minimal cost.

SERVE and Family Weekend Service Project

The Family Weekend Service Project looks to create connections between Bradley students and the surrounding Peoria community area. This project allows students to give back to their local community by participating in service opportunities with their families.

President’s Volunteer Service Award

This national award started in 2003 and honors individuals who positively impact communities in every corner of the nation. These individuals inspire those around them to take action and are recognized at the annual Students Activities Office award ceremony.

SERVE Welcome Week Service Project

The Welcome Week Service Project looks to create connections between Bradley students and the surrounding Peoria community area. This is an annual event at the beginning of each school year. All participants are provided with transportation and food for their time participating.