Adding Academics to the Work/Family Puzzle: Graduate Student Parents in Higher Education and Student Affairs

Based on interviews with 18 parents who were enrolled in higher education and student affairs master’s programs and also employed on college and university campuses, this article explores the ways that student parents navigate their academic, familial, and professional responsibilities. Using role conflict theory as a theoretical guide, this study considers the strategies student parents use to meet the demands of multiple roles. Findings suggest that while participants value their identities as students and take steps to meet the expectations associated with that role, they prioritize their roles as parents above all else.