Pregnant & Parenting Students

The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights provides a Know Your Rights document for pregnant and parenting students. Additionally, Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students provides more detailed information on our institutional responsibilities for supporting pregnant students.

The University of Northern Iowa supports the academic success of all students. Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 (known as "Title IX") prohibits discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and parental status, in educational programs and activities. Your rights as a pregnant student include, but are not limited to:

Allowing you to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities.
Providing you with reasonable adjustments like a larger desk, elevator access or allowing you to make frequent trips to the restroom, when necessary because of your pregnancy.
Excusing absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is medically necessary.
Allowing you to return to the same academic and extracurricular status.

Class Attendance

At the University of Northern Iowa, the Class Attendance and Make-Up Work Policy (3.06) outlines that absences due to pregnancy or childbirth must be excused for as long as the student's doctor deems the absences medically necessary. Subsequently, when a student returns to school, they must be allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before their leave began.

Assistance Navigating Policies and Procedures

Dean of Students staff serve as the first point of contact for pregnant students seeking assistance in understanding university policies and procedures related to pregnancy or childbirth. Through conversation, Dean of Students staff can help a student understand next steps for communicating with faculty regarding their individual needs. Staff can also help provide connection to other resources when necessary.

Nursing Mothers and Lactation Rooms

Students who have a need to express milk during their day on campus have access to several lactation rooms across campus. Additional information, including how to access the rooms and specific locations, is available through Human Resource Services.

Additional Resources

Employees are encouraged to contact Human Resource Services for assistance or accommodations related to pregnancy.
The Office of Compliance & Equity Management (OCEM) oversees equal opportunity in education for students, assuring compliance with Title IX. Students who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of their pregnancy or parenting status are encouraged to report such instances to OCEM.
Student Accessibility Services may be of assistance for students with certain pregnancy related conditions (sometimes referred to as complications).
The Pregnant Scholar and the National Women's Law Center both provide detailed information on Title IX and pregnant and parenting students including a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
The Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral provides information on local child care options.

Related Policies

13.02 Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Misconduct

13.15 Accommodations of Disabilities