Exploring Student-Parents' Challenges for Institutional Policies

Abstract

This research explores the diverse challenges and coping strategies of 42 student-parents at the state university in Negros Oriental, highlighting the complexities of balancing academic and parental responsibilities. The respondents, primarily young (90.48% aged 15-30 years), female (92.86%), and single (66.67%), face significant financial instability, with 61.90% earning less than P5,000 monthly. From the responses, among others, performance difficulties, financial constraints, emotional stress, and time management inefficiencies are the top problems. It also demands gender sensitivity: female student-parents should care for issues related to child care, while male student-parents are supposed to fulfill expectations and become a principal and often only, breadwinner. The university can make an inclusive environment that recognizes and supports the different needs of these student-parents. They can be supported to do well and achieve more throughout. Ultimately, it contributes to their success and well-being in their academic and personal lives.