Pregnant and Parenting Students
Many college students balance academic responsibilities while caring for children or preparing to become parents. Although student parents often demonstrate exceptional commitment and academic success, they may also encounter unique challenges that can affect their educational experience. UAH is committed to providing resources, supportive measures, and reasonable modifications to help pregnant and parenting students remain engaged in their academic programs and achieve their educational goals.
Students are encouraged to explore the resources available through the University and to contact the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity for information about supportive measures, reasonable modifications, and available campus and community resources.
UAH's Commitment Under Title IX
UAH prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other applicable federal and state laws. This includes discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, recovery from pregnancy-related conditions, and related medical conditions.
The University is committed to ensuring that students who are pregnant or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions receive equitable treatment and are not excluded from educational opportunities because of those conditions.
UAH has established policies and procedures to protect the rights of pregnant and parenting students and to provide reasonable modifications when appropriate. Students seeking assistance or supportive measures are encouraged to contact the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity. Students may request assistance at any time, regardless of whether they currently need academic or workplace modifications.
Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students
UAH prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, parenting status, and related medical conditions. Pregnant and parenting students have the right to continue participating in educational programs and activities and to receive reasonable modifications that ensure equal access to their education.
Depending on an individual's circumstances, reasonable modifications and supportive measures may include:
- Excused absences for medically necessary appointments, treatment, childbirth, or recovery.
- Flexibility with assignment deadlines, examinations, attendance requirements, or course participation when medically necessary.
- Reasonable classroom modifications, such as larger seating, seating near exits, the ability to sit rather than stand during laboratory or clinical activities when feasible, and additional restroom, hydration, or lactation breaks.
- Access to private, clean spaces for expressing breast milk as provided by University policy.
- Temporary adjustments to academic requirements or course participation during pregnancy-related medical restrictions or recovery.
- Opportunities to complete coursework through alternative methods, including remote participation or distance learning when appropriate and consistent with course requirements.
- Referral to campus and community resources that support student well-being and academic success.
Reasonable modifications are determined through an individualized, interactive process based on each student's needs and the essential requirements of the academic program. These modifications may be available for students enrolled in on-campus, hybrid, and online courses.
UAH encourages students to contact the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity as early as possible so that appropriate supportive measures and reasonable modifications can be implemented in a timely manner.