Lori Meadows
Student parents often face unique challenges, and universities have been criticised for failing to address their specific needs. While some universities have introduced support services, others have been slower to act. This raises questions about the role of universities in supporting non-traditional students and the meaning of the word support. This issue is complex and involves legislative, logistical, and cultural considerations. However, there are several ways universities can help student parents, including providing affordable housing, childcare services, flexible class times, and peer support networks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Class timings | Offering courses at multiple times, including late evenings and weekends |
| Childcare | On-campus childcare, parenting tips, and monthly parent cafes |
| Housing | Affordable and dedicated family housing |
| Support services | Access to counseling, academic advising, health services, and campus engagement opportunities in the evening |
| Peer support | Creating peer support networks to help student parents meet and support each other |
| Academic coaching | Mentorship opportunities for incoming student parents |
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What You'll Learn
Affordable housing and childcare
To address these issues, some colleges and universities provide dedicated on-campus housing for student parents, creating a stable and family-friendly environment. For example, the University of California, Berkeley, has University Village, which offers family student housing and parenting skill-building programs. Other institutions, such as Purdue University, provide on-campus housing specifically for students with dependent children. Additionally, some schools offer resources for finding affordable off-campus housing that allows children.
Many colleges and universities also recognize the need for accessible and affordable childcare options. Some institutions, like LSU, have early childhood education programs that offer tuition discounts and priority enrollment for students with children. Purdue University provides childcare tuition assistance for students who cannot afford daycare or preschool. On-campus food pantries, such as those at Purdue and LSU, can also help student parents with food assistance.
To further support student parents, colleges and universities should leverage state and federal funding to expand childcare access. They can pursue subsidies, such as the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program (CCAMPIS), which has been shown to increase student parent success. Institutions should also prioritize the children of student parents for on-campus childcare services and ensure that these programs offer full-day schedules that align with course timings and remain open year-round.
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Academic flexibility
Firstly, universities should offer courses at multiple times, including late evenings and weekends, to accommodate the varied commitments of student parents. For example, Onondaga Community College offers a weekend college programme, allowing students to take classes on weekends and earn a degree on an accelerated schedule, with access to student success coaches and scholarships. Asynchronous learning is another valuable tool, enabling student parents to review course content at their convenience.
Secondly, universities can provide academic coaching and mentorship programmes specifically for student parents. This could involve student parents themselves acting as mentors to incoming student parents, sharing their experiences and offering guidance on navigating campus life and academics. Such programmes would facilitate community-building among student parents, providing a supportive network to ease their transition into university life and help them stay motivated.
Additionally, universities should strive to create dedicated spaces for student parents on campus. This includes affordable and accessible childcare facilities and family housing options, which can provide much-needed stability for student parents facing financial challenges. For instance, University Village at the University of California, Berkeley, offers family housing and a community-building programme that provides parenting tips and fosters positive parent-child relationships.
Furthermore, universities can offer evening access to essential services such as counselling, academic advising, and health services. This ensures that student parents can take advantage of these resources without clashing with their other commitments. Peer support networks, such as the Bearcats Support Network at the University of Cincinnati, can also play a vital role in promoting peer learning, mentorship, and overall student well-being.
By implementing these flexible academic support systems, universities can empower student parents to successfully balance their academic pursuits with their family responsibilities.
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Support networks
Universities can offer support networks to student parents in a variety of ways. Firstly, they can provide opportunities for student parents to connect with each other, such as through social events, virtual spaces, or clubs specifically for student parents. For example, University Village at the University of California, Berkeley, hosted a monthly parent café, weekly play dates, and had a social media presence where ambassadors posted parenting tips. This helped to build a community for student parents and allowed them to share experiences and advice.
Another way universities can support student parents is by offering flexible class times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the busy schedules of student parents. Onondaga Community College, for instance, offers a weekend college programme, allowing students to take classes on weekends and earn a degree on an accelerated schedule. Asynchronous learning can also be beneficial, as it allows student parents to review course content at their own pace and at a time that suits them.
Furthermore, universities can encourage peer support networks, where student parents can act as mentors to incoming student parents. This helps to create a supportive community and can aid in the transition to campus life for new student parents. The University of Cincinnati's Bearcats Support Network is an example of a successful peer support programme, where students meet weekly to address their mental and emotional well-being in a safe and confidential environment.
Additionally, universities can offer academic advising and counselling services in the evenings to accommodate the schedules of student parents. This demonstrates a commitment to supporting non-traditional students and removes barriers to accessing these important services.
Lastly, universities can provide support networks for student parents by offering family housing. This not only provides stable and affordable housing for student parents but also sends a message that the institution is family-friendly. It helps to build a community for student parents and can foster connections with other families on campus.
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Validation and advice
Being a student parent can be isolating, and the challenges of balancing parenthood with studying must not be overlooked. Student parents may feel they don't fit in with either "traditional" students or mature students, and they may struggle with intellectual insecurity, guilt, and anxiety. It's important to remember that you are not alone and that there are other student parents facing similar challenges.
Universities can play a crucial role in providing validation and advice to student parents. This can include offering peer support networks, where student parents can connect with and learn from each other, and access to counselling and academic advising services. Universities can also provide resources and websites that signpost student parents to relevant support services, such as affordable housing, financial support, and childcare facilities.
In addition to these practical measures, universities can foster a sense of community and inclusion by offering opportunities for student parents to share their stories and experiences during class or in dedicated virtual spaces. This can help to reduce stress levels and build a supportive network.
Some universities have also recognised the importance of flexible learning options for student parents. This includes offering courses at multiple times, such as late evenings and weekends, and providing asynchronous learning so that student parents can review course content at their own pace.
It's clear that universities have a role to play in supporting student parents and helping them navigate the challenges of balancing academic and family life. By offering validation, advice, and a sense of community, universities can make a real difference in the lives of student parents and contribute to their academic success.
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Parenting skills
While universities are making efforts to support student parents, parenting itself can be a challenging task. Here are some parenting skills that can help parents navigate the complexities of raising children:
Positive Parenting
Positive parenting is a widely recognised approach that focuses on nurturing children's development and well-being. It involves using positive discipline techniques, such as praise and encouragement, to guide children's behaviour. Research by Harvard scientists has linked positive parenting to better relationships, improved mental health, and enhanced well-being during adulthood. The PRIDE skills are five positive parenting techniques that can be easily incorporated into daily life:
- Praise: Praising accomplishments, no matter how small, boosts children's self-esteem and makes them feel proud and capable.
- Reflections: Reflecting a child's actions or speech can subtly correct them and make them feel important. For example, if a child says "I ranned home," a parent can respond with "Wow, you ran home!".
- Imitation: Imitating a child's play can be a way to join in and connect with their world. It also encourages them to imitate positive behaviours.
- Descriptions: Describing a child's actions or behaviour shows them that you are paying attention and interested in what they are doing.
- Expectations: Clearly communicating your expectations and inviting children to work on solutions together helps them understand and learn non-judgmentally.
Consistency and Discipline
Consistency is crucial in parenting. Children need to know that there will be consequences for their actions, and parents must follow through with these consequences consistently. A common system involves giving one warning, followed by a consequence such as a "time-out" or loss of privileges. Consistency teaches children what behaviour is expected of them.
Quality Time and Attention
Spending quality time with your children is essential for building strong relationships. While the amount of time may vary depending on your child's age, the quality of that time is crucial. Eating meals together, going for walks, playing games, or simply having conversations can create meaningful connections. These moments also provide opportunities for children to learn from their parents' actions and behaviours.
Validation and Community
Feeling understood and supported as a parent is vital. University initiatives, such as parent cafés, play dates, and online communities, provide spaces for parents to connect, share experiences, and receive advice. These communities can help parents feel validated in their roles, leading to improved relationships with their children.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Parenting requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to different situations. Each child is unique, and parents must be willing to adjust their approaches to meet their children's individual needs. This may involve negotiating, offering choices, and being open to suggestions from your children.
By incorporating these skills and seeking support from university initiatives and communities, student parents can enhance their parenting abilities and create positive relationships with their children.
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Frequently asked questions
Universities can provide support for student parents in the form of on-campus childcare, affordable housing, and financial hardship support. Some universities also offer parenting tips, advice, and community-building opportunities. Additionally, universities may offer flexible class times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the schedules of student parents.
Universities can improve their support for student parents by creating dedicated spaces for childcare on campus, offering more affordable housing options, and providing a range of resources and support services, such as academic advising, health services, and peer support networks.
Student parents often juggle studies, family life, and other caring responsibilities, which can be time-consuming and strenuous. They may also feel anxious about intellectual insecurity, feel out of place, and experience guilt about balancing parental responsibilities with their studies.
Yes, some universities have specific programs or initiatives to support student parents. For example, University Village at the University of California, Berkeley, provides parenting and character development skill-building workshops, as well as a social media presence with parenting tips and community engagement. Onondaga Community College offers a weekend college program with access to student success coaches and scholarships.
