STUDENT RIGHTS & CAMPUS RESOURCES
Pregnant & Parenting Student Rights & Resources Brochure
Student Life has produced a brochure designed to help students determine their rights under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as well as provide basic information about resources available to them. If you would like to request copies of the brochure for yourself or your office, please email the Women's Resource Center at wrc@tamu.edu or call 979.845.8784.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions asked by pregnant and parenting students have nuanced answers which cannot be posted in the FAQ section of this website. Students whose questions are not answered by these FAQs are encouraged to reach out to Student Assistance Services, the Women's Resource Center, or the other resources listed below.
Academic Concerns
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Student Rules 7.2.1.3 (Absences Related to Pregnancy) and 10.6 (Grading Related to Pregnancy) 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 Committee Chair for graduate students) as soon as possible so that they may assist with 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 Student Assistance Services and the Women's Resource Center are also available to assist with requesting accommodations.
Students experiencing complications related to pregnancy may qualify for academic accommodations coordinated by Disability Resources if the complication(s) qualify as an impairment that substantially limits a 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. Information about contacting Disability Resources can be found at the bottom of the page.
A temporary grade of I (incomplete) at the end of a semester or summer term indicates that 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 university excused absence (see Rule 7 of TAMU Student Rules) or based on criteria published in the Law School Handbook. Each instructor awarding an incomplete grade must complete an “Incomplete Grade Report,” which will be filed with the department head or designee of the department offering the course. Copies will also be sent to the student and to the student’s academic dean or designee. An incomplete 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. Students in law (JD), medicine (MD), dentistry (DDS), pharmacy (PharmD), nursing (RN), dental hygiene (BS) and veterinary medicine (DVM) may have a different deadline for completion of incompletes as published in student handbooks. 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 Registrar. Grades of I assigned to 684 (Professional Internships), 691 (Research), 692 (Professional Study), or 693 (Professional Study) are excluded from this rule.
In accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Texas A&M University 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. 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. (Texas A&M University Student Rules, Section 10.6)
Financial Concerns
Students who are receiving student financial aid or scholarships through the University are encouraged to meet with the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office 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, the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office must receive a written request from the donor.
Child Care Concerns
There are many childcare facilities in the Bryan/College Station Community. 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.
In addition to the childcare facilities in the community, the University operates the Becky Gates Children's Center. The Becky Gates Children’s Center serves the families of Texas A&M University’s Main Campus, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff and is part of Texas A&M University’s Division of Student Affairs. Approximately 165 children, ranging in ages from 12 months to 5 years participate in their programs. Information about contacting the Becky Gates Children's Center can be found at the bottom of this page.
Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley offers a low-income childcare subsidy through its Child Care Services program. This the size of the subsidy is based on the parent's income. To be eligible, each parent or guardian living with the child must be working, 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.
Texas A&M University Student Rule 7 states that these types of absences would be considered an excused absence. Students are responsible for providing satisfactory 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 miss classwork. Rule 7.2.2.2 relates to the death or major illness of a student's immediate family. Rule 7.2.2.3 relates to the illness of a dependent family member.
Harassment Concerns
The University is obligated to protect students against harassment based on their pregnancy or related conditions 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 about the student's sexual activity, making sexual propositions or gestures.
Campus Resources
Personalized Guidance
Student Assistance Services
2nd Floor, Student Services Building
979.845.3113
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The Women's Resource Center
2nd Floor, Student Services Building
979.845.8784
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Specialized Resources
Disability Resources
1st Floor, Student Services Building
979.845.1637
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Students experiencing complications related to pregnancy may qualify for academic accommodations coordinated by Disability Resources if the complication(s) qualify as an impairment that substantially limits a 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.
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Student Health Services Women’s Clinic
A. P. Beutel Health Center
979.458.8280
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The Women’s Clinic does not manage pregnancy, but can diagnose pregnancy and refer for prenatal care. The Women’s Clinic staff will see pregnant women for non-pregnancy related problems when appropriate and for postpartum care.
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Counseling & Psychological Services
4th Floor, Student Services Building
979.845.4427
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Counseling and Psychological Services supports the academic and student development missions of Texas A&M University and the Division of Student Affairs. Through service, training, and research we are committed to the development of the whole person. We commit to providing all students services that are welcoming, respectful, and competent. Therefore, we are steadfast in our goal of meeting the needs of a variety of people, including students of diverse racial, ethnocultural and national backgrounds, sexual/affectional orientations, gender identities, physical and mental abilities/disabilities, languages, ages, religious/spiritual beliefs, career aspirations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In order to accomplish this mission, we provide a full range of professional services including, personal and career counseling, academic skills enhancement, testing, outreach programming, psychiatric services, consultation, and crisis intervention. Research is conducted to benefit the practices of counseling, psychology and psychiatry, and to advance our knowledge in these areas.
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Becky Gates Children's Center
1125 Hensel Drive
College Station, TX 77840
979.458.5437
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The Becky Gates Children's Center serves the families of Texas A&M's Main Campus, including all classifications of students, faculty and staff. The Center has approximately 165 children, ranging in age from 12 months to 5 years. The Center provides full time care and their schedule matches the University Staff Calendar with the exception of staff development days. The Center is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Texas A&M University students can ask to have their child's tuition reduced by $100 per month. |
Scholarships & Financial Aid
2nd Floor of the Pavilion
979-845-3236
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Texas A&M University offers many financial aid options to help you pay for college costs. Scholarships & Financial Aid is available to help you find information about applying for financial assistance, costs, types of aid and more. |
Benefit Services
General Services Complex
750 Agronomy Rd, Suite 1201
College Station, TX 77843
979.862.3128
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Benefit Services is a part of the Division of Human Resources & Organizational Effectiveness devoted to assisting University Employees understand the benefits they receive as members of Texas A&M University. |
Texas A&M University Undergraduate
Studies Ombuds Services
Sterling C. Evans Library, Room 214
979.458.1455
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The Undergraduate Ombuds assists students, faculty, staff, and administrators with resolving academic conflicts for undergraduates on an informal and confidential basis. |
Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional Studies Ombuds Officer
112 Jack K. Williams Administration Building
979.845.3631
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The Ombuds Officer advocates for the fair processes of graduate education and provides equal, open access to all parties: graduate and professional students, staff, faculty, and administrators. |
Questions Related to Title IX can be directed to:
Texas A&M University Title IX Coordinator
Medical Sciences Library, Garden Level 979.458.8407
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