Parental Involvement in Tertiary Education: A Missing Link to Student Success

By: Yvette Gittens
Early Childhood Practitioner and Literacy Specialist

As students transition from secondary school to tertiary education, parental involvement continues to play a vital role in their academic and personal success. While tertiary institutions expect students to become more independent and responsible for their learning, parents remain important partners in helping young adults navigate the challenges of higher education.

Many teenagers struggle to achieve their full potential when there is little communication between parents and the institutions where they are pursuing academic studies or vocational training. Parents who understand the expectations, requirements, and support systems available at tertiary institutions are better equipped to encourage, guide, and support their children toward success.

One way to strengthen this partnership is through the introduction of a dedicated Parent Day at tertiary institutions. Such an initiative would provide parents with the opportunity to meet lecturers, instructors, and academic advisors while gaining a clearer understanding of course requirements, attendance expectations, assessment methods, and available student support services.

Parent Day would also encourage greater collaboration between families and educational institutions. Open communication can help identify challenges students may be facing and allow both parents and educators to work together to provide the necessary support. This collaborative approach can improve student motivation, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Some may argue that tertiary education is not primary or secondary school and that parents should no longer be involved in their children’s educational journey.

While tertiary institutions are indeed different and students are expected to take greater responsibility for their learning, this should not be the mindset of educators and administrators. Rather than excluding parents, institutions should recognize them as valuable partners in student success.

Teenagers and young adults entering tertiary education are at one of the most critical and vulnerable stages of their lives. Although they are transitioning into adulthood, many are still developing emotionally, socially, and mentally. They often face challenges that can significantly affect their academic performance and personal well-being.

During this period, students may struggle with peer pressure, mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression, low self-esteem, financial difficulties, academic pressure, social media influences, relationship problems, loneliness, and uncertainty about their future careers. They may also be exposed to alcohol, drugs, and other negative influences that can distract them from their educational goals. Many students are balancing studies, part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and personal challenges all at once. These realities make parental support more important than ever.

It is time for the Technical College and the Community College to provide avenues through which parents can meet the facilitators, lecturers, and instructors who are guiding their children. These educators play a critical role in helping young people make lifelong decisions that will shape their careers, livelihoods, and futures. Parents deserve the opportunity to understand the expectations, challenges, and opportunities that their children are encountering as they prepare for the world of work.

This is not the time to dismiss parental involvement with the argument that “this is not primary school any more”. Such a position overlooks the realities facing today’s teenagers and young adults. Young people can learn to take responsibility for their education while still benefiting from the guidance and encouragement of their parents.

If we are serious about improving student success, reducing dropout rates, strengthening workforce development, and helping young people make informed career choices, then meaningful collaboration between parents and tertiary institutions must become a priority. The future of our young people is too important to leave parents on the sidelines. It is time for our tertiary institutions to recognize parents as partners in education and to create opportunities that foster communication, collaboration, and shared responsibility for student success.