Marian University is advancing a nationally informed approach to higher education access through its Committee on College Pathways for Mothers with Justice Involvement, supporting mothers with dependent children who are currently or have previously been involved in the criminal justice system as they return to college.
The committee is rooted in the doctoral capstone research of Dr. Lesley Neff, Executive Director of Online Innovation at Marian University Online, and translates research into action by addressing the academic, social, and systemic barriers these mothers often face when pursuing higher education.
By bringing together mothers with lived experience, Marian faculty, and staff, the committee focuses on building a compassionate, confidence-building infrastructure that supports successful college entry.
Key Initiatives
The committee leads three core initiatives designed to prepare and support students before and during their return to higher education:
- • Welcoming events that introduce prospective students to Marian University and connect them with faculty, staff, and community partners
- • A virtual pre-college workshop series addressing admissions, financial aid, online learning tools, academic support services, and self-efficacy development
- • A reciprocal mentoring program that builds confidence, social capital, and academic readiness through two-way mentor relationships
While the committee centers on mothers, all students with justice involvement are welcome and included in its programming and wraparound support services.
Through this work, Marian University continues to strengthen inclusive pathways to education and expand opportunities for nontraditional learners.
“This work moves research into action by creating pathways that make higher education more accessible, welcoming, and achievable for justice-involved mothers.”
For more information, contact Lesley Neff, M.A., Ed.D., Executive Director of Online Innovation, Marian University Online, at lneff@marian.edu