If you need to miss class for reasons related to pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, or parenting responsibilities (such as caring for a newborn, attending pediatric appointments, or navigating adoption or foster placement), those absences must be excused if they are medically necessary or otherwise justified under university policy.

When you’re ready to return, you should be able to resume your studies in the same academic status you held before your leave. You cannot be penalized for pregnancy- or parenting-related absences- even if you’ve missed more classes than normally allowed by your instructor’s attendance policy.

Faculty are encouraged to work with you to make up missed coursework, such as:

• Participation or attendance credit
  
• Quizzes or exams
  
• Papers or projects
  
  

Sometimes, this can be done during the semester. In other cases, an incomplete may be the best option until you’re able to finish your coursework.

If you need additional help or ongoing adjustments, the Disability Services Office can help coordinate formal accommodations once their process is complete.

• Samantha’s Story: Samantha gave birth during finals week and couldn’t take her last exam. Her doctor recommended six weeks of recovery time. Her professor marked her course as “incomplete.” After she recovered, Samantha completed the exam, and her grade was updated for full credit.
  
  
• Andre’s Story: Andre became a new parent through adoption. He needed a few days to attend court proceedings and get settled at home. His instructors allowed him to make up missed work and extend project deadlines to accommodate this transition.
  
  
• Janet’s Story: After experiencing a miscarriage, Janet needed time to attend a medical appointment and recover. With her doctor’s note, her absence was excused. To make up participation points, her professor offered an alternative discussion board post.
  
  
• Chantal’s Story: Chantal’s doctor advised her to pump breast milk more frequently due to an infection. She needed to leave class a few minutes early to do so. Because her professor didn’t require other students who left early to provide notes, Chantal didn’t need to provide one either.
  
  
• Noah’s Story: Noah’s partner had a complicated childbirth, and he needed a short period of excused absences to care for her and their baby at home. His instructors supported his request and helped him make up for missed lab work.
  

Taking a full semester off isn’t always necessary- or possible. Depending on your needs, other reasonable accommodations might include:

• Frequent breaks during class to use the restroom or eat
  
• Adjusted deadlines for assignments
  
• Flexible attendance for appointments, caregiving responsibilities, or recovery
  
• Permission to stand, sit, or use mobility aids in class
  
• Access to private lactation and parent rooms across campus 
  
• Temporary parking accommodations or assistance with transportation
  
• Remote learning options when feasible
  

Our goal is to make sure you have the flexibility and support you need to stay on track.

If your doctor recommends a longer recovery period- or if you’re taking time to care for a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement here are some questions to discuss with your advisor before finalizing your leave:

• Will this leave change my registration status?
  
• Will it affect my financial aid, health insurance, or housing?
  
• Will I lose access to university benefits like the library, transportation, or printing?
  
• Do I need to complete any forms or approvals for my leave?
  
• What steps do I need to take to return to classes?
  
• When should I notify the university that I’m coming back?
  
• Are there things I can do now to make returning to classes smoother later?