How the marital and parenthood status of women in graduate school affects their satisfaction with university support services.

摘要

Women in the United States increasingly seek graduate degrees and represent the largest population of potential applicants. However, they have challenges not faced by their male counterparts, particularly if they are also raising families. Institutions of higher education will benefit from better understanding the hurdles students who are women and mothers encounter. The institutions that are best able to meet the needs of this population may have an advantage in attracting the highest quality applicants.;This research examined the relationship between marital and parental statuses and satisfaction with more traditional university support services including the library, parking availability and cost, bookstore services, computer support, financial aid, health center, disability services, the collegium (a gathering place for adult students), campus ministry, and food service choices and availability. Participants were women, graduate students. The research methodology was non-causal, and comparative, with quantitative and qualitative elements.;The study found graduate women to be satisfied with the support services they used; however, several of the services have low rates of use by graduate women. Those using financial aid, the collegium, campus ministry, and disability services were highly satisfied. Marital and parenting status did not impact the level of satisfaction.