Pregnant & Parenting Students

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Student Academic Conduct Rule on Attendance allow for an excused absence for the time period deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician. You must make each leave request separately, one to each instructor.

Title IX gives you the opportunity to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before your medical leave began but still expects you to complete the coursework required to receive a final grade. When you return to school after the duration of absence deemed medically necessary by your physician, the department in which you took the course will offer ways to make up missed work, such as retaking a semester, online options if available or timelines for completion of work. You should be allowed to choose how to make up the work from available options.

Students are advised to contact their Academic Advisor (or thesis chair for graduate students) as soon as possible so they may assist in developing a plan, including requesting a No Grade if applicable.

The University is able to work with students to provide special accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to work with their professors where appropriate for minor accommodations such as larger desks and access to non-public elevators. Staff in the Division of Student Affairs are also available to assist with requesting accommodations.

Students experiencing complications related to pregnancy may qualify for academic accommodations if the complication(s) qualify as an impairment that substantially limits major life activity, or alternatively, whether the student has a record of or is regarded as having such impairment under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

A temporary grade of I (incomplete) at the end of a semester or summer term indicates the student has completed the course with the exception of a major quiz, final examination or single major assignment. The instructor shall give this grade only when the deficiency is due to an approved excused absence. An incomplete is a temporary grade and must be removed before the last day of scheduled classes of the next long semester in which the student enrolls in the university unless the student’s academic dean or designee, with the consent of the instructor, grants a time extension. In the absence of the instructor, the department head may grant a time extension. Failure to complete the required work in the appropriate period of time, or registering for the course again, will result in the I being changed to an F by the University Registrar.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, A&M-Central Texas shall treat pregnancy (childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery therefrom) and related conditions as a justification for an excused absence for so long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician or medical provider. Requests for leave of absence related to pregnancy should be directed to the instructor; questions about Title IX should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Associate Dean of Student Affairs).

Students receiving student financial aid or scholarships through the University are encouraged to meet with Student Financial Assistance as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of their situation. If the student needs to take a semester off, they can apply for a medical withdrawal. Once they return to school, they can apply to have their financial aid reinstated. Scholarships awarded by donors outside of the University are not protected by Title IX. Students should contact the donor to discuss options. If the donor is willing to accommodate the student’s needs, Student Financial Assistance must receive a written request from the donor.

There are many childcare facilities in the Central Texas region. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) offers a database for parents to search for licensed facilities. Parents are highly encouraged to utilize the database to learn about childcare options in our community and their relative safety. DFPS Childcare Database

Workforce Solutions of Central Texas offers low-income childcare subsidy through its Child Care Services program. The size of the subsidy is based on the parent or guardian’s income. To be eligible, each parent or guardian living with the child must be employed, in an approved training program, or in school a minimum of 25 hours per week. This program typically has a waitlist and students are encouraged to look into the program as soon as possible. Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Child Care Services

A&M-Central Texas student rules state these types of absences would be considered an excused absence. Students are responsible for providing evidence to the instructor to substantiate the reason for the absence. Students are encouraged to work with the instructor to determine how to make up missed coursework.

Instead of providing your instructor with evidence (physician documentation, missed work/school excuse note), students may also submit that documentation to the Behavioral Intervention Team who will validate the documentation and communicate with the student’s instructors. Documentation may be submitted here: Documentation Submission.

The University is obligated to protect students against harassment based on their pregnancy or related condition if the harassment is persistent or pervasive enough to interfere with the student’s ability to benefit from the University program or activity. Comments that could constitute harassment include sexual comments related to the student’s pregnancy, sexually charged names, spreading rumors.