Faculty Resources and Support
Faculty play a vital role in supporting students who are pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or parenting-including non-birthing and adoptive parents. Under Title IX, students experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions must be provided reasonable adjustments and equal access to their education. This protection extends to students of all genders who have parenting responsibilities.
Our goal is to make sure faculty have the tools and support they need to respond with empathy, consistency, and fairness.
Disability Services works closely with faculty to identify and coordinate appropriate accommodations for students experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, or parenting-related needs.
Faculty are encouraged to contact Disability Services when they have questions about implementing accommodations, balancing flexibility with academic expectations, or ensuring equitable access for students managing health or caregiving responsibilities.
Learn more about working with Disability Services
If you’re unsure about how Title IX applies to a specific situation- such as attendance flexibility, grading policies, or confidentiality- contact the Title IX Office. They can help clarify obligations and offer best practices for communication with the student while maintaining privacy and support.
Encourage students to stay in touch with their academic advisor during pregnancy, recovery, or parenting-related leave planning. Advisors can help develop customized plans for:
- Adjusting coursework timelines or credit loads
- Navigating registration and financial aid impacts
- Planning for a smooth return to class
This partnership helps ensure continuity and reduces stress for students managing both academic and family responsibilities.
For quick guidance and examples of how to support pregnant and parenting students, visit The Pregnant Scholar, a national resource from the Center for WorkLife Law:
Supporting Students – The Pregnant Scholar
Students who need time or space to express milk, feed an infant, or manage caregiving needs should be referred to the university’s Parent and Lactation Room directory.
Faculty can support these students by:
- Allowing short breaks during class
- Offering flexible attendance when medically or practically necessary
- Maintaining privacy and respect for all parenting students
Consider including a welcoming and inclusive statement in your syllabus to signal awareness and support for all students who are pregnant or parenting. For example:
“Students who are pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or parenting—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—are welcome and supported in this class. If you anticipate needing adjustments, time away, or flexibility, please reach out to me and/or the Title IX Office as soon as possible so we can plan together.”