A first-person account and broader reporting highlight the barriers student-parents face on campus, from childcare and housing to participation in milestone events like commencement. The writer described being denied the ability to accept a diploma on stage with her four children, exposing gaps in administrative policies and campus planning. With more than three million student-parents nationwide, advocates say institutions must adapt services and scheduling to retain these students. Higher-education leaders are being urged to integrate family-friendly policies into financial aid, housing and event planning to avoid losing degree-seeking parents.