University of Virginia Library

Student Marriages

student marriage. Most of them
shared the response that they
enjoyed being married
intensely, despite the
responsibilities.

Problems

One couple had a son,
which they definitely regarded
as an asset. Of course he
interfered with the student's
studies, but it was fun anyway.

A point that both the
doctors and a student raised
was that the University as an
institution does not do favors
for the married student, who in
many instances needs
sympathy. According to the
student, professors don't seem
to understand problems they
have even though the
professors themselves are
married. A child could be sick
on an exam night, for example.

Another area of grievance
for the married student is
scholarships. One undergraduate
felt the "equations were off"
in deciding who gets what
amount of money. He said
allocations don't take into
account the expenses of
married living and going to
school.

Dr. Gates and Dr. Glosser
see the future role of the
Counseling Center not in
adjusting relationships already
in the problem stage, but in
preparing students to ask
themselves the right questions
and to know the facts before
making the decision to marry.
Seminars on marriage are
planned, similar to those on
human sexuality, so that
students may be forewarned to
all aspects and responsibilities
of a student marriage.