An independent evaluation of a student parent support service at third level - what the students say

Background: Historically, the perception of a third level student has been of a carefree person with no responsibilities or dependents. The global economic recession has led to a rise in unemployment and as a consequence an... [ view full abstract ]

Background: Historically, the perception of a third level student has been of a carefree person with no responsibilities or dependents. The global economic recession has led to a rise in unemployment and as a consequence an increase in the number of non-traditional students entering higher level education such as parents and individuals with caring responsibilities. The number of students in higher education with family responsibilities is significant, with as many as 33% caring for a dependent.

Aim of Study: To evaluate the Student Parent Support Service offered by a third level college in Ireland.

Method: As part of an independent evaluation of a student parent support service in a third level institution in Ireland, service users were surveyed to explore their experiences of using the service. Following ethical approval, a 25 item anonymous questionnaire was administered online to a purposive sample. Quantitative data was analysed using SurveyMonkey and qualitative data was analysed using content analysis.

Findings: Fifty students responded (41F, 9M), the majority were aged between 21-30 years old (mean=23years). Whilst 20% became parents during their course 70% were parents when they enrolled. Experiences of using the service were overwhelmingly positive with a significant focus on the importance of confidentiality, accessibility, referral to other services and the emotional support received from the parent support team and other service users. Respondents commented on how the service influenced their decision to enrol in the institution and impact the service had on retention and progression to postgraduate education.

Conclusions and Implications: Attrition rates may be impacted upon by an absence of policy guiding services and practices to support student parents. The findings of this survey serve to highlight the need for specific services to support students who are parents in managing the tensions that exist when balancing student and parental responsibilities. We recommend strongly the introduction of student parent support services across the third level sector if parents are to be given the same chance to succeed as those without caring responsibilities. While students are key stakeholders in higher education, the fact remains that the experiences of student parents remain under reported.