Pregnant & Parenting Students Resources

Accommodation requests should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator in the Dean of Students Office. The Title IX Coordinator (or designee) will discuss the pregnant or parenting individual’s needs and may ask for documentation that supports the requested accommodations.

A student who has a chronic medical condition as a result of a pregnancy may also work with the Disability Resources Director, also located in the Dean of Students Office.

Specific accommodations will vary from student to student. Examples of accommodations may include:

• a larger desk
• breaks during class, as needed
• permitting temporary access to elevators
• rescheduling tests or exams
• attendance accommodations due to pregnancy or related conditions
• deadline extensions for assignments missed due to pregnancy or childbirth
• parking
• accommodation for a leave of absence
• attendance accommodations for parenting students (both male and female) who need to take their children to medical appointments or to take care of their sick children

Accommodations need to be reasonable. For example, it may not be reasonable to pass a class if a student misses an extensive amount of class meetings or assignments; a withdraw, late withdraw, or leave of absence may be the reasonable accommodation.

Students are not required to inform faculty, staff or any member of the administration of their pregnancy or parenting status, unless they are seeking accommodations. The university wishes to create an environment that encourages voluntary sharing of this information, so that the university can provide support for the physical and mental health of the student.

• Lactation Rooms at Hamline University:
  • Anderson Center - first floor on the west side of the main desk
  • Giddens Learning Center - GLC 111W
  • Sorin Commons - located by the restrooms
  • West Hall, 2nd floor all gendered restroom and resting space
• Hamline University Counseling and Health Services
• Academic Standards and Policies: Undergraduate Bulletin (leave of absence and other policies)
• Academic Standards and Policies: Graduate Bulletin (leave of absence and other policies)

Community Resources

Fact Sheet: Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Rights under New Title IX Regulations (Starting August 1, 2024)

Pregnant and Parenting Student-Athletes (NCAA)

Let them know there are resources and accommodations available through the Title IX Coordinator. Refer them to the Title IX Coordinator. Please note, they are not required to meet with the Title IX Coordinator and not required to receive accommodations.

Students should be referred to the Title IX Coordinator for the purposes of documenting medical needs and providing accommodations. Once accommodations are granted and communicated by the Title IX Coordinator, the student should meet with the faculty member regarding their attendance accommodations. Attendance accommodations include all medically necessary absences for pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery including doctor appointments.

Reasonable accommodations could be allowing frequent bathroom breaks, providing a larger desk or a different chair if needed. The length of time needed for medically required absences can vary depending on the student’s situation. In determining reasonable accommodations, support for a late withdrawal and/or leave of absence are also available.

Reasonable accommodations for parenting students could include allowing students reasonable time for nursing and access to lactation rooms. Attendance accommodations for both parents for dr. appointments and caring for a sick child.

Faculty cannot ask for doctor’s notes. Please refer the student to the Title IX Coordinator for documentation and support.