Student parents are a significant minority population on postsecondary campuses across Canada and face unique barriers and challenges to persisting in and completing their studies. Tomorrow evening, a special lecture by Tricia van Rhijn, founder of the Student Parents Support Network, will examine the challenges faced by students who are parents.
This free lecture will take place from 6 to 8pm in C202 York Hall on the Glendon campus. Van Rhijn, a PhD candidate at the University of Guelph who is studying family relations and human development with a special focus on student parents, will provide an overview of this growing population in Canada. A parent herself, van Rhijn will offer insight into what is known about the experience of student parents as undergraduates. As few resources and supports are directed towards this population, this session will serve to greatly increase awareness of the needs of student parents.
Following the formal presentation, the remainder of this event will be an interactive discussion allowing student parents to share their experiences and strategies for success, as well as discussing the needed supports that could be provided by instructors and postsecondary institutions.
As seating is limited, organizers are asking that all community members interested in attending this event RSVP by e-mail to the Atkinson Centre for Mature & Part-Time Students at acmaps@yorku.ca or by phone at 416-736-5770.