Louisiana Universities Pilot On-Campus Study Spaces

The University of Louisiana System is testing a new program. It gives student parents dedicated time for coursework. Their children stay nearby. Nicholls State University and the University of Louisiana Monroe have partnered with StudyNPlay. This Louisiana-based service provides supervised play for kids. It frees up study time for their parents.

Katie Dawson is associate vice president for enrollment at the system. She said the model differs from traditional childcare. Parents study in a designated area. A supervisor watches their children play within view. "Parents are never actually leaving the location where their children are," Dawson told Inside Higher Ed. This reduces institutional risk.

How StudyNPlay Operates

Student parents sign up for two-hour time slots. StudyNPlay spaces operate from 4 p.m. To 9 p.m. Founder Stephanie Styles developed the program. She based it on her own experience as a law student with a five-month-old son. She saw a gap in support for families. The program has served over 200 student parents and their children.

In addition to supervised play, participants get tutoring and coaching. "We don't replace childcare, we complement it, and technically we're parent care, too," Styles said. The program uses a conference room-style study area. It has a large window overlooking the play space.

Funding comes from philanthropy, university contributions, and student fees. For those paying out of pocket, costs use a sliding scale. The base rate is $25 per hour for two children. The system is exploring more philanthropic funding. It also seeks industry partnerships to keep costs low.

Filling the Evening Gap

Nicholls State is adding StudyNPlay to its existing supports. The university offers reserved parking for pregnant students. It provides free supplies and family food security initiatives. There is also an annual graduation celebration for this group.

Michele Caruso is vice president for student affairs at Nicholls. She said the partnership addresses a critical evening gap. Childcare often ends at 5 p.m. Student work begins then. "That's when the real work with school begins, like writing their papers and doing their group projects," Caruso explained. The university has seen more student parents and adult learners. Faculty have responded positively.

System-Wide Expansion Plans

Both Nicholls State and ULM have signed memoranda of understanding with StudyNPlay. Campus centers are planned to launch next spring. Dawson hopes to expand the model. The goal is to reach the system's six other campuses after the initial pilots.

Caruso emphasized that institutions must adapt their support structures. Traditional higher education is not built for parents in school. Every parent's academic journey is different. They need tailored solutions, not blanket programs. The goal is to adjust structures to support this growing population effectively.