Prof. Dr. László Trócsányi, the rector of Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church, emphasized that supporting students with families is vital for shaping the future intelligentsia. Their university offers a flexible academic system, mother-baby rooms, and other benefits for students with families.
Do you think it is important for young people to be able to start a family while pursuing higher education, and if so, why?
Yes, I consider it exceptionally important because, in my opinion, supporting students with families during their university studies is value-creating and forward-looking. The parental example can also become exemplary for growing children, showing that a balance between family and study can be achieved, and that family community and knowledge are complementary and not mutually exclusive values. It is essential for our society and our Reformed community that its members grow up in emotionally secure, loving family relationships while also being educated individuals. I hope that this project will help us progress in this endeavor.
What does your institution do to support students with families, whether during the admission process, during their studies, or after graduation?
For family applicants, we have long supported those raising children in the higher education admission process, maintaining this support in the new admission scoring system, awarding a maximum of 40 institutional points out of 100 institutional points for applications to undergraduate programs, undivided training, and higher education vocational training, while master’s degree applicants may receive up to 5 points out of a maximum of 10 additional points for equal opportunity reasons (disadvantage, disability, child care).
The discounted study system offers flexible performance opportunities for students with families, while those participating in self-financed training can apply for installment payments and a self-financing discount, which are decided by the dean of the faculty responsible for training based on the rector’s authorization. In terms of infrastructure, the university’s Institute of Psychology within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has a mother-baby room to assist students arriving with small children. University chaplains are also available to support students with families within the University Chaplaincy framework.
Are you planning to expand on the above, and if so, what guidance do you expect from the NOE research?
After processing the student responses in the NOE research and having that knowledge, we can review potential new support opportunities and propose their implementation; without this knowledge, we do not plan to expand support for students with families.
What extracurricular programs or support do you think could encourage family formation?
I would find it appropriate to provide programs that emphasize the importance of both long-term goals and personal, friendly, and family relationships.
