ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏ

Pregnant and Parenting ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏ

Title IX prohibits discrimination against students based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. Schools are required to treat pregnant and parenting students the same way they treat those with temporary medical conditions.

When a student informs a USF employee of their pregnancy or related condition, that employee must promptly provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and inform the student that the Title IX Coordinator can coordinate specific actions to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access to USF’s education program or activity.

ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏ or employees who wish to request reasonable adjustments should contact the Title IX Coordinator. 

USF will provide appropriate, reasonable adjustments to educational programs and activities to support pregnant and parenting students, including but not limited to:

• The University must excuse a student’s absence because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary. This must be granted irrespective of classroom attendance requirements set by a faculty member, department, college, or division.
• At the conclusion of that period, the student must be given a reasonable amount of time to make up the work missed and must be allowed to return to the same academic status as before the medically necessary absence.
• No artificial deadlines or time limitations can be imposed on a request for accommodations, but the University is limited in its ability to implement accommodations retroactively.
• A faculty member does not have to fundamentally alter the nature of a program for pregnant or parenting students.
• This only applies to the student’s pregnancy or childbirth. Schools are not required to excuse absences so that a father can be present for the birth of the child. However, the Office of Civil Rights recommends this, and it is best practice to implement.
• Absences due to medical emergencies arising from pregnancy or childbirth may be excused. For example, a father who misses class due to an unplanned and unforeseen emergency C-section can request the absence be excused as a medical emergency.
• If it is unreasonable for a student to receive extra time to complete a course, the student will be given the option to withdraw from the class without penalty.
• In the event a request for adjustment is received that may be covered by Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act or the American with Disabilities Act, the request will be determined between the Title IX Coordinator and the Office of Accessibility Services in consultation with the Dean of ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏ.
• A faculty member cannot demand from a student a copy of the medical recommendation given by her doctor.
• If a student’s program requires participating in off-campus programs, such as fieldwork, USF cannot deny that student participation based on pregnancy.  USF cannot ask for a doctor’s note for continued participation unless the school requires a note for all students who have a medical condition that requires treatment by a doctor.
• Protections for parenting students extend to any parent on the basis of medical necessity related to the health of the parent who gave birth and/or baby during the pregnancy and postpartum period reasonably thereafter.

Common title ix adjustments for pregnant students

Academic Flexibility

• Excused absences related to pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, prenatal/postnatal appointments, or pregnancy-related conditions
• Flexible attendance policies (including remote participation when available)
• Deadline extensions for assignments, labs, projects, and papers
• Make-up exams or alternative exam dates
• Rescheduling presentations or clinical activities
• Alternative participation options for labs, fieldwork, or physical activities
• Temporary reduced course load without academic penalty

---

Physical & Environmental Adjustments

• Breaks during class for restroom use, hydration, or managing symptoms
• Seating adjustments (e.g., closer to exits, more comfortable seating)
• Permission to carry and consume water or snacks
• Access to elevators or modified routes on campus
• Modified lab or safety equipment, where feasible

---

 Health & Recovery-Related Adjustments

• Leave of absence for childbirth or recovery with a guaranteed return to the same academic status
• Flexibility for medical appointments
• Temporary alternative coursework during recovery
• Extended time to complete degree requirements without penalty

---

 Lactation & Postpartum Adjustments

• Excused absences for lactation or childcare-related needs
• Breaks to express breast milk
• Access to a clean, private lactation space (not a restroom)
• Flexibility with clinical or field placements to allow pumping breaks

---

 Clinical, Internship & Field Placement Adjustments

• Modified schedules for clinicals, internships, residencies, or practicums
• Temporary reassignment of physically demanding tasks
• Alternative placement timelines when pregnancy-related limitations exist
• Adjusted on-call or overnight requirements, where feasible

---

Housing & Campus Life Adjustments

• Relocation to more accessible housing
• Early move-in or delayed move-out
• Release from housing contracts for pregnancy-related reasons
• Dining flexibility when meal plans conflict with pregnancy-related needs

LACTATION ROOMS

USF provides several lactation rooms for the purpose of breastfeeding or pumping of breast milk.  If a lactation room is not within a reasonably accessible distance, please contact the Title IX Coordinator for an alternative accommodation.

TAMPA LACTATION ROOMS

1. USF Library, 3rd floor, Room 348. Check out the key from the Library Services Desk on the 1st floor.
2. Marshall Student Center, 2nd floor, MSC 2402. For entry, please see information desk attendant on the 1st floor. 
3. The Well, 1st floor, MDA 1125. To access this room, email USFHealthSSS@health.usf.edu. Your email should include Name, U#, Start Date, End Date.
4. Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare, 4th floor, MDH 4112. 
5. Nursing, Please contact John Luksas at jluksas@usf.edu for access.
6. MDD, Please contact Michael Andrews at mandrews5@usf.edu for access (room number pending).

ST. PETE LACTATION ROOMS

1. Lynn Pippenger Hall, 330
2. Student Life Center, 1103
3. Davis Hall, 288

SARASOTA-MANATEE LACTATION ROOM

1. SMC B130C – email Title IX Liaison Alyssa Burns at aburns4@usf.edu to access this room.

BREASTFEEDING GUIDES

Resources

• The can assist with a voucher for childcare assistance, if you qualify.
• USF
• The : a community resource that offers various services, including counseling and support groups. They also have a program called where you can request resources including counseling, wellness education, and support groups for new and pregnant moms.