Pregnancy and Parenting

  • Mom holding arms around pregnant belly
  • Mother and father feeding a baby
  • Mother and father looking at their baby
  • Three pregnant moms smiling
  • A pregnant woman looking at computer
  • Woman holding baby in the air
  • A pregnant woman looking at book
  • Two women smiling and playing with baby

Title IX protects against discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery from any of these conditions. It prohibits a school from applying any rule related to a student’s parental, family or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex. Title IX also ensures the right to take medically necessary leave and to be free of harassment, intimidation, or other discrimination because of pregnancy or parenting related conditions. 

The University of South Alabama is dedicated to creating an environment that is welcoming, accessible and inclusive for pregnant and parenting students. Students may request reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and parenting related conditions. Please review the information provided below to find the answers to frequently asked questions and to request assistance with accommodations.


 

Information for Students

▼   How can I request pregnancy or parenting related accommodations?

Pregnant and parenting students should submit a request for accommodations by filling out the online form. Someone from the Title IX Office will contact you to discuss your pregnancy or parenting needs. You will need to submit supporting documentation (i.e. letter from your doctor) with your request for accommodations.

In addition, students who have chronic medical condition as a result of a pregnancy  should also make contact with the Center for Educational Accessibility & Disability Resources by calling (251) 460-7212, or emailing disabilityservices@southalabama.edu.

▼   What types of accommodations can I request?

Students will be provided reasonable accommodations based upon their pregnancy and parenting related needs. Specific accommodations will vary from student to student. Some examples of accommodations may include:

  • Providing a larger desk.
  • Allowing breaks during class, as needed.
  • Permitting temporary faculty/staff parking.
  • Rescheduling tests or exams.
  • Excusing absences due to pregnancy or related conditions.
  • Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth.*
  • Providing alternatives to make up missed work.
  • Permitting a reasonable time for nursing and access to lactation spaces.
  • Allowing excused absences for parenting students (both male and female) who need to take their children to medical appointments or to take care of their sick children.

*Pregnant students will be allowed to make up any work missed due to medically necessary absences for pregnancy. Students will be offered acceptable alternative arrangements to make up missed work. The student will not be required to complete make up work until the student's medically-necessary absences for pregnancy are completed.

▼   Am I required to tell anyone about my pregnancy or parenting status?

Students are not required to inform anyone of their pregnancy or parenting status. However, the University aims to create an environment that encourages students to share this information with the Title IX Department, so that the University can provide the proper support and assistance. 

▼   Can pregnant students be penalized for absences, if grades are based upon attendance?
A student may not be penalized for absences known to be due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions. A professor cannot reduce a pregnant student’s grade because of attendance or participation points that the student missed during excused absences due to her pregnancy-related conditions. The professor must give the student a reasonable opportunity to earn back the credit missed due to pregnancy.
▼   Are there any designated areas on campus for mothers to address breastfeeding related needs?

There are three lactation stations located on the University’s main campus. 

  • Student Center, Room 168 
  • North Humanities Building, Office 4
  • UCOM, Room 3704
▼   How can I report harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy or parenting?

The University of South Alabama prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. Pregnant or parenting students who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed because of a qualifying condition may file a complaint with the Title IX Office by clicking on the link provided below to report a Title IX incident. 

 

Information for Faculty & Staff

▼   What do I do if a student tells me they're pregnant?
Ask them if they need any accommodations, and if they have met with the Title IX Office. If they have not, refer them to the Pregnancy and Parenting accommodation form located on the Title IX Office webpage .
▼   What do I do if a student tells me they need to miss class due to a pregnancy?
We excuse all medically necessary absences for pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery. This includes doctor appointments. Via the  Title IX Office, faculty members should excuse those absences deemed medically necessary by the appropriate medical professional. Students should be referred to the Title IX Office for the purpose of documenting medical needs.
▼   Can I ask a student to prove they're pregnant or provide a doctor's note?
Faculty cannot ask for doctor’s notes. Please refer the student to the Title IX office for documentation and support.
▼   What do reasonable accommodations look like for a pregnant student? 
Reasonable accommodations could be allowing frequent bathroom breaks, a larger desk or different chair if needed. The length of time needed for medically required absences can vary depending on the student's situation.
▼   What verbiage should I include in my syllabi to ensure non discrimination and accommodation for pregnant or parenting students?
University of South Alabama does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s doctor and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students needing accommodations can seek assistance with accommodations from the Title IX Office.

 

 

Request Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations

Report Pregnancy and Parenting Discrimination or Harassment

Resources for Pregnancy and Parenting Students