Pregnant/Parenting Students | Harm Prevention and Resolution

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from related conditions, and parental status —in educational programs and activities. Access more information and learn more about your protections under Title IX.

If you have questions after reviewing this page, you can reach out to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator (TitleIX@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-1870) to further discuss your plan and the protections available to you.

Notifying the University

It is a personal decision of whether or not you will disclose to the university that you are expecting a child and/or have a child. Should you choose to inform the University, there is no mandated time frame in which to disclose. Choosing to notify allows university officials to assist you and others in the planning process to balance the expectations of a child (childbirth, delivery, parenting, etc.) as well as your academic commitment.

Campus Resources

Campus spaces for nursing parents.
If you would like to take a pregnancy test, visit Student Health Services.

Student Success Center

As you evaluate any changes to your academic aspirations, goals, or timeline, advisors in the Student Success Center are available to sit down with you, collaborate with advisors and faculty across campus, and help you develop a plan that works for you. Please email StudentSuccess@MiamiOH.edu with any questions or to set up an appointment.

Attendance

Review your academic program’s policies related to attendance. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator (TitleIX@MiamiOH.edu or 513-529-1870) can help facilitate communication with your faculty and program leadership to respond to reasonable requests. Reasonable requests are not guaranteed to be granted. You are encouraged to communicate early with instructors as you navigate your pregnancy or parenting needs along with your academic obligations.

Miami's policy library contains information on class attendance including absences due to pregnancy or related conditions, including the recovery from childbirth.

Leave of Absence

You are not required to take a leave of absence or time off due to pregnancy or after a child is born. Should you choose to take time off, you are permitted to do so based on the medical recommendation of a primary doctor. It is important that you communicate with your instructors and supervisors regarding your plans for leave, in order to ensure a smooth return to campus.

International students: If you are considering requesting a leave of absence, we urge you to contact your ISSS advisor immediately, as this could require you to leave the country.

Housing

Students who are parents are not required to live on campus, regardless of year in school. First and second-year students will need to apply for a residency requirement exemption in order to be released from the requirement. If space is available in on-campus apartments, Campus Services Center will consider housing a student and their child.

Miami Cares

The Student Success Center offers Miami students in need with refurbished laptops, temporary/emergency housing, free meal swipes, as well as other financial resources. If you are in need, you can request assistance at Miami Cares.

Parking

Students who require accessible parking are welcome to park on campus with their state issued disability placard. A university parking permit is required to be used in conjunction with the placard. Please contact your doctor and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in your state of residence for information about obtaining a disability placard.

Miami also partners with Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) to provide accessible bus service to all Miami campuses and the surrounding Butler County, Ohio area. BCRTA also offers BCARE Paratransit Services to students with temporary and/or permanent disabilities who need door to door transportation.

Community Resources

Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio, Family and Parenting Services
Centerpoint Health- Women’s Services (Franklin, Middletown, other locations)
Pathway to Hope, Pregnancy Care Center
- 24-Hour Option Line: 1-800-712-HELP
Planned Parenthood, Hamilton Health Center
Community Pregnancy Center (Middletown)
Life Forward, Christian-based mission (three Cincinnati locations)
Five Rivers Health Centers- Center for Women’s Health (Dayton)
Ohio Statewide Breastfeeding Hotline
- 1-888-588-3423 or text BFHOTLINE to 839863 to speak with a lactation professional 24 hours a day
Butler County Educational Service Center- Help Me Grow- Home Visiting program
Maternal Mental Health Hotline, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges
- call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) in English and Spanish to connect with a counselor at no charge
Child Focus
- 513-752-1555 or Crisis: 513-528-7823 (SAVE)
Fatherhood Revisited (two Cincinnati locations)
Fatherhood Center: 513-412-4120

May schools require a pregnant student to obtain a doctor’s permission before allowing the student to attend school late in a pregnancy if the school is worried about the student’s health or safety?

Schools cannot require a pregnant student to produce a doctor’s note in order to stay in school or participate in activities, unless the same requirement to obtain a doctor’s note applies to all students being treated by a doctor. That is, schools cannot treat a pregnant student differently from other students being cared for by a doctor, even when a student is in the later stages of pregnancy; schools should not presume that a pregnant student is unable to attend school or participate in school activities.

Can harassing a student because of pregnancy violate Title IX?

Yes. Title IX prohibits harassment of students based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions. Harassing conduct can take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling, graphic and written statements, and other conduct that may be humiliating or physically threatening or harmful.

What types of assistance MUST a school provide to a pregnant student at school?

To ensure a pregnant student’s access to its educational program, when necessary, a school must make adjustments to the regular program that are reasonable and responsive to the student’s temporary pregnancy status. For example, a school might be required to provide a larger desk, allow frequent trips to the bathroom, or permit temporary access to elevators.

Does a school have to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or childbirth?

Yes. Title IX requires a school to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences to be medically necessary.

Review the Class Attendance policy for more information.

Where can I find more information and resources regarding my rights and resources?

The U.S. Department of Education has a ‘Know Your Rights’ page dedicated to Title IX pregnancy and parenting information. The Pregnant Scholar Initiative is the nation’s first and only legal resource center for pregnant and parenting students. Their website offers endless resources and guidance on how to navigate pregnancy accommodations from the perspective of all parties involved.