What to do if you need support

We recognize that students who are pregnant or parenting- of any gender- may need temporary flexibility or ongoing support to stay on track with their education. Title IX protects your right to fully participate in classes, programs, and activities without discrimination.

Quick Checklist-

• Health first → get necessary medical care.
  
• Get a doctor’s note (if possible).
  
• Contact Title IX / Disability Services / Advisor / Instructor.
  
• Request accommodations or make a plan to make up work.
  
• Use parent/lactation rooms and campus supports.
  
• Keep records and stay connected.
  
• Report discrimination to Title IX if needed.

Here is how to access the support you are entitled to:

1) Take care of your health first

If you need immediate medical help, call your provider or emergency services. Your well-being and your family’s well-being comes first.

2) Get medical documentation (if you can)

If your situation involves a medical condition (pregnancy, recovery, postpartum, or a child’s health concern), ask your healthcare provider for a brief note confirming any medically necessary absences or limitations. You don’t need to share private medical details- only what is needed to confirm the accommodation request

3) Tell someone you trust on campus

Decide who you want to contact first — you can choose one or more of:

• Title IX Office - for your rights and protections under Title IX.
  
• Disability Services - to request formal accommodations (flexible deadlines, alternate testing, etc.).
  
• Academic advisor - to plan your course schedule, leaves, or return.
  
• Your instructor(s) - to arrange make-up work or temporary adjustments.
  

These offices often work together, so starting with one will help you connect with others as needed.

4) Request accommodations or flexibility

Depending on your situation, you may need short-term flexibility or longer-term accommodations. Examples include:

For pregnancy or recovery:

• Excused absences for appointments, birth, or recovery
• Adjusted deadlines or testing schedules
• Permission for extra breaks, seating changes, or remote participation
• Temporary parking or mobility support

For parenting or caregiving:

• Excused absences for a child’s medical appointments or emergencies
• Access to lactation and parent rooms
• Flexibility for feeding schedules or childcare arrangements
• Options for remote class attendance or lecture recordings
• Extended deadlines during postpartum adjustment or adoption placement

Your needs are unique - accommodations are meant to support your success, not create extra hurdles.

5) Work with faculty on make-up plans

Ask your instructor how missed participation, quizzes, or exams will be handled. Faculty should offer comparable make-up work (not extra or punitive tasks) and reasonable timelines to complete it.

If you’d like, use this short script/email:

Hi Professor [Name],
I’m reaching out to let you know I’ll need flexibility due to [pregnancy recovery / childcare emergency / family health appointment]. I’d appreciate your guidance on how best to make up for any missed work or participation. Thank you for your understanding and support.. - [Your Name, Course]

6) Use campus resources and spaces

Find and use parent/lactation rooms and other supports on campus. If parking, transportation, or other practical needs are a barrier, ask Disability Services or your advisor about temporary accommodations.

View Parent & Lactation Rooms

7) Plan for longer leaves (if needed)

If your doctor advises a longer leave (e.g., a semester), talk with your academic advisor and Disability Services about how a leave could affect registration, financial aid, housing, and health insurance. Ask:

• Will this change my registration status?
  
• Will it affect my financial aid, housing, or insurance?
  
• What forms or approvals are required?
  
• What steps will I need to take to return?

8) Keep records and stay connected

Save copies of doctor notes, emails with instructors, and any accommodation paperwork. Stay in touch with Disability Services and your advisor while you’re away so returning is smoother.

9) Returning to class

When you’re ready to come back:

• Let your advisor, Disability Services, and instructors know your return date.
  
• Confirm any make-up assignments, incomplete, or revised deadlines.
• If you had an “incomplete,” follow the agreed timeline to finish remaining work.