Engaging Parenting Students

Parenting students (frequently referred to as student-parents) represent one in five undergraduates, though contemporary narratives and structures of higher education typically ignore their existence. In this chapter, we highlight the individual and organizational challenges that student-parents face, including financial constraints as well as a lack of affordable childcare. We also explore the role faculty, staff, campus programs, and family members can play in helping student-parents overcome these obstacles. Of note, student-parents also bring critical assets, or strengths, with them to higher education on which they draw to facilitate their success. We use two frameworks in the chapter—ideal worker norms and the carefree campus—to explore the obstacles student-parents face on campus. We conclude with steps educators can take to make campuses more supportive for parenting students.