In preparation for this weekend, lawns have been mowed, floors have been vacuumed and rooms have been tidied: parents are coming to campus.

Over 2,400 parents have already registered for Parents’ Weekend, which runs today and tomorrow, and 100 to 200 more are expected to register as the events progress.

“We are so excited to welcome Stanford families to campus,” said Parents’ Weekend Registration Coordinator Jessica Lu ‘09. “For many families, this is their only opportunity to see how their students live, and they come from thousands of miles away for a few short days.”

Over Thanksgiving break, the Stanford Events Office sent out a booklet to parents, which included an event schedule and a registration form. As one of the “Big Five” events on campus — along with Reunion Homecoming, Commencement, Admit Weekend and New Student Orientation — the weekend involves extensive planning.

While somewhat more popular among the parents of freshman, upperclassmen parents still make up roughly one half of the visitors. Aside from freshman dorm programming, all events are suitable for all parents, Lu said.

Changes made to Parents’ Weekend this year include new registration materials, new lectures, more performances and an opening reception. Events taking place over the weekend include a Q&A session with President Hennessy, campus tours and a research symposium. There will also be lectures for parents on both Friday and Saturday on subjects ranging from biotechnology to Mark Twain.

In addition to events planned through the Events Office, Parents’ Weekend is also promoting events held by various organizations on campus. Parents will be supplied with a detailed list of campus events throughout the weekend, including sporting events, religious and cultural events, music and drama performances and art exhibits.

This year, registration will be held at the Arrillaga Alumni Center instead of Tresidder Memorial Union.

“We try to provide a snapshot of the lively community that Stanford fosters so that parents travel home with a comforting sense that Stanford cares for its students and helps them grow into intellectual, responsible adults,” Lu said. “Students look forward to this valuable time to see their families; it’s a very important weekend from both ends.”