About Pregnant & Parenting
How Does Title IX Protect Me?
Title IX protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination. This includes pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, or recovery from any of these conditions. It is illegal to exclude a pregnant student from any part of an educational program due to their pregnant and parenting status.
Absences
Absences related to pregnancy and childbirth must be excused as long as your doctor deems the absence medically necessary (i.e., for doctor’s appointments, bed rest, recovery, etc.). Documentation may be requested by the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX. As part of this process, you may work with professors for an opportunity to make up missed work. Please see the Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form below for assistance.
Lactation Space
See Lactation & Parent Resource Spaces on our website for more information.
Accommodations & Adjustments
Any special services provided to students with temporary medical conditions must also be provided to a pregnant student in need of those same services. Reasonable adjustments may include, but are not limited to:
- Larger desk
- Frequent bathroom breaks
- Parking adjustments
- Flexibility with attendance and deadlines
- Makeup/online work
- Incomplete in course
- Course withdrawal or replacement
Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form
For assistance with pregnancy accommodations, please complete our Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form. This will allow us to begin working with you to explore possible accommodations and adjustments to fit your needs. You will also have an opportunity to upload documentation through this form. Documentation may include:
- Appointment confirmations
- Online health portal printout
- ER summary
- Doctor’s note
Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining your privacy. Information you share related to pregnant or parenting status will not be shared with others, including your faculty, unless you give us permission to share it. If you have questions about the safeguards in place to protect your privacy before submitting a written request, please give us a call at (912) 478-5136.
Additional Resources
You may find additional information about your rights and resources as a pregnant and parenting student through the following links:
Pregnant and Parenting Brochure
Pregnant & Parenting Rights and Resources Card
Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions: A Resource for Students and Schools (U.S. Department of Education)
Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students (U.S. Department of Education brochure)
Title IX Coordinator
For more information about your rights, contact the Georgia Southern University Title IX Coordinator:
Amber J. Culpepper, J.D.
(912) 478-5136
aculpepper@georgiasouthern.edu
Last updated: 5/16/2023