Student Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations

The University provides academic adjustments and accommodations to ensure students affected by pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, recovery, lactation, or related medical conditions have equal access to courses, programs, research, internships, practicums, fieldwork, and other educational activities. 

Depending on the student’s individual needs and academic requirements, support may include: 

• Attendance adjustments and medically necessary leave
• Additional time to complete assignments or exams when appropriate
• Opportunities to make up work missed because of medically necessary pregnancy-related absences
• Alternative methods of participation or course access when appropriate
• Changes to seating, additional breaks, access to food or water, or mobility support
• Adjustments related to laboratory, clinical, internship, practicum, fieldwork, research, or travel activities when needed
• Reasonable time and access to a private lactation space
• An incomplete, educational leave of absence, or temporary adjustments to graduate assistant responsibilities when appropriate 

The appropriate support depends on the student’s individual circumstances and the requirements of the course or program. Students are encouraged to request support when a need arises and to contact the Title IX Office if their needs change. 

The University supports students who are breastfeeding or expressing milk by providing reasonable time and access to an appropriate private space. 

Multiple designated lactation spaces are available across campus. Locations can be found on the University of Arkansas Campus Map. 

To begin the process, complete the Student Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form or contact the Title IX Office. 
After receiving the request, the Pregnancy Specialist will contact the student to discuss their pregnancy-related needs, academic activities affected, requested support, and possible next steps. 

The Pregnancy Specialist will review the request through an individualized process and consider the student’s pregnancy-related needs, requested accommodation, course or program requirements, and other effective options. 

The student and Pregnancy Specialist will discuss the student’s needs, requested accommodation, academic requirements, and possible options for maintaining access to the educational program. 

When needed, the Pregnancy Specialist may coordinate with faculty, instructors, academic advisors, program administrators, the Graduate School and International Education, the Center for Educational Access, or other appropriate University offices. 

The process may continue after an accommodation is implemented to determine whether it remains effective or should be adjusted because the student’s needs or academic circumstances have changed. 

Once a determination is made, the student will receive written notification of the approved accommodation. The Title IX Office will also provide faculty, instructors, or other appropriate University representatives with the information necessary to implement the accommodation. 

The written notification will explain the accommodation, when it begins, how long it is expected to remain in place, and any steps necessary for implementation. Faculty and instructors receive only the information necessary to provide the approved accommodation. 

When a requested adjustment cannot be provided because it would alter an essential academic requirement, the Pregnancy Specialist will work with the student and appropriate University representatives to determine whether another effective option is available that provides the student access while maintaining essential academic requirements. 

Students should contact the Pregnancy Specialist if an accommodation is not working effectively or if their needs change. 

Students must be allowed medically necessary leave related to pregnancy or childbirth for the period determined to be medically necessary. 

Students returning from medically necessary leave must be allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status held before the leave began and must be provided a reasonable opportunity to make up work missed during the absence. 

Students should communicate with the Pregnancy Specialist and their instructors regarding pregnancy-related absences so appropriate support and make-up arrangements can be coordinated. 

Title IX prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from these conditions. Title IX also prohibits treating students differently based on sex in connection with parental, family, or marital status. 

Students have the right to: 

• Continue participating in University courses, programs, and activities during pregnancy for as long as they are able.
• Receive reasonable adjustments when necessary because of pregnancy.
• Receive medically necessary leave related to pregnancy or childbirth.
• Return to the same academic and extracurricular status held before medically necessary leave began.
• Have a reasonable opportunity to make up work missed because of medically necessary pregnancy-related absences.
• Receive the same special services provided to students with temporary medical conditions when applicable.
• Be free from discrimination or retaliation because of pregnancy or related conditions. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from these conditions. Title IX also prohibits treating students differently based on sex in connection with parental, family, or marital status.