This action research study examined the lived experiences of student mothers at Gateway Community & Technical College. By increasing understanding, specific interventions for policy and practice emerge to increase retention and completion rates for this substantial population. Results suggest that student mothers have increased stress from issues surrounding time and competing obligations such as motherhood and work. Work, health, family, and finances come first for student-mothers, so Gateway should consider how policies and practice surrounding course delivery, attendance, due dates, Title IX, instructor care and approachability, child care, and programmatic support services work from the standpoint of a student-mother. Results also show that children of student mothers are significant motivators and are a retention and completion strength if the student mother has adequate support. The results showed some areas of strength along with many areas in need of remediation. The recommendations include specific areas of potential improvement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]