“At first, I was pretty nervous, because I didn't know what that meant for me, or what I would have to do in terms (of getting) my education,” Boggon said. “So I did do some research... and I was able to get connected with the Student Parent Resource Center, family housing and things like that. I was also told about (Title XI) that protects us against discrimination and things like that.”

Initially, Boggon said, bringing her son with her to classes was difficult. She said university resources like the Spartan Kids Child Care Grant helped her adjust more.

"I felt like I was comfortable," she said. "And it honestly gave (me) a lot of positive attention. A lot of people will come to me like, 'wow, you're doing it,'... like, 'you're really strong.'"

Boggon said her teachers were very supportive and let her know her son was "always welcome." However, not all professors are as flexible, she said.

"So I would say my advice would be to create a strict routine," she said. "And don't be too hard on yourself... remember that you are taking care of a child and going through school, so you also have to take care of yourself."

Biochemistry junior Danielle Meyers came to MSU last fall. Her son was born on the day of her last final exam.

“I was really lucky because I am married, and my husband is wonderful and helps,” Meyers said. “But, you know I do a lot of studying at odd hours. And my boy has to spend a lot of time at daycare, which has been stressful. I think for me more than him. He’s as happy as can be.”

Meyers took her first spring semester off in an effort to bond with her son and ease back into academics.

“Overall it’s been very doable, but it definitely takes some interesting scheduling and working late at night,” Meyers said. “It’s been pretty easy for the most part, mostly because my baby is good, and sleeps through the night. I put him to bed, and then I work. He goes to daycare in the morning, and I go to class.”

Meyers said MSU has been great, and professors were very willing to work with her. She urged student parents to look to the Title IX office for help when having to miss classes or get extensions on assignments.

“(Having a child) has definitely made me more focused,” Meyers said. “It makes me more motivated to finish my degree and all of the things I want. Because I have a kid, and I’m like, ‘I want you to see your mom be successful, and do the things that set a good example’.”

Student Parent Resource Center Director Kimberly Steed-Page said student parents are a "hidden population" at Michigan State University. 

The Student Parent Resource Center, or SPRC, is a tool for all student parents at Michigan State, offering tools like access to produce, diapers, fun events, a food pantry and advice consultations.

Steed-Page said student parent outreach is their “biggest challenge” because of MSU’s lack of data tracking. The only way the SPRC is able to figure out who student parents are without them first reaching out is through financial aid, she said.

“It’s really important for us that faculty and staff know who we are,” Steed-Page said. “So that when particularly advisors (are) meeting with students, at the very least... everybody knows that the office exists, you know.”

Through SPRC grants, Steed-Page said, they have seen that student parents have equal or higher GPAs with support than their non-student parent counterparts.

"Student parents want to be in the life of MSU," Steed-Page said. "They are incredibly capable, incredibly intelligent, goal-driven and dedicated to their studies. Life circumstances with the cost of living... present real challenges for people, and if we as an institution help support them in some small way, we are going to increase student success."