Texas A&M Pregnancy & Parenting FAQ (Title IX)
For current or incoming Aggie students who are pregnant, postpartum, lactating, or parenting — including those experiencing related medical conditions such as miscarriage or recovery.
Title IX Protections & Eligibility
What Title IX protections do I have as a pregnant or parenting student?
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex—including pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, related medical conditions, and/or parenting status—across all education programs and activities. The University cannot force students to withdraw, change courses, and/or take a leave of absence simply because they are pregnant or a parenting student.
Do Title IX protections extend to fertility treatment, miscarriage, or other pregnancy-related medical care? Yes—all these conditions are protected and students are eligible to request accommodations under Title IX.
Requesting Support, Accommodations & Modifications
How do I request information or accommodations?
Please contact Jessica Mata at TIX.Pregnancy@tamu.edu or (979) 458-9115. You can schedule an initial intake meeting here.
What types of accommodations or supportive measures are available to pregnant students?
Depending on students’ needs and course requirements, accommodations could include:
• excused absences with documentation (including intermittent absences for medical appointments or pregnancy-related illness)
• makeup work/exams
• extended deadlines to complete coursework
• access to instructional materials or recordings (when applicable)
• breaks during class to attend to health needs or express milk
• seating or equipment changes (e.g., larger desk)
• modified course schedule or course sequence
• leave of absence
What if a requested accommodation fundamentally alters a course requirement?
The Title IX Office works with the student and faculty to identify options that maintain academic integrity while ensuring equal access. If a requested change will fundamentally alter an essential element and/or learning objective, alternative accommodations will be explored.
If I take a leave of absence, will I lose my place in my program?
Pregnant and parenting students can take a leave of absence for a semester or more, and if in good standing when leave is taken, students have the ability to return to their degree or certificate program without being required to reapply for admission.
How are my approved pregnancy accommodations communicated to my professors?
After reviewing course requirements and student limitations, the Title IX Office will work with the student and the professor to find accommodations that meet the student’s needs and satisfy academic requirements. Approved accommodations are memorialized and provided to both parties.
Absences, Make-Up Work & Documentation
Are absences related to pregnancy and childbirth excused?
Yes. Absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions will be excused when the medical provider deems the leave to be medically necessary. Once the absences are excused, the student will be allowed to make up any missed work or offered equivalent alternatives in accordance with Student Rule 7.4.1.
How long will I have to make up missed assignments, labs, or participation points?
Student Rule 7.4.1 provides an extended deadline not to exceed 30 calendar days from the last day of the initial absence. When excused absences exceed 30 days, extensions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Is a doctor’s note required to request accommodations?
Under Texas A&M Student Rule 07, students requesting an excused absence related to pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions must provide documentation substantiating that the absence is medically necessary. Required documentation for other accommodation requests is evaluated on a case by case basis.
Participation in Courses, Clinicals & Activities
Can I continue to participate in clinicals, labs, internships, or extracurriculars while pregnant?
Yes. Students cannot be excluded from classes, programs, or extracurricular activities due to pregnancy or related conditions. Reasonable modifications can be provided unless they fundamentally alter an essential requirement.
How will pregnancy leave affect my financial aid including scholarships, grants, or loans?
Before taking a leave, students should contact Scholarships & Financial Aid or Aggie One Stop to inquire about the impact of a leave on their specific scholarships or loans.
Are pregnant or parenting students eligible to register early for classes?
Parenting students who are continuing students and who have a child under the age of 18 may contact the Student Parent Liaison via email at studentlife@tamu.edu or by phone at (979) 845-3111 to pre-register. Some graduate and professional school programs are excluded. Pregnant students do not qualify for early registration until after the birth of the child.
Lactation Support & Child Care
What support is available for lactating students?
Lactation is considered a pregnancy-related condition. Students may take reasonable breaks to express milk and A&M provides clean lactation spaces across campus.
• On-campus lactation spaces: https://titleix.tamu.edu/title-ix-and-pregnancy-students/lactation-spaces/
• Remote location lactation spaces: https://titleix.tamu.edu/lactation-spaces-remote-locations/
Does the University have to provide me with childcare?
Universities are not required to provide childcare.
Support for Non-Birthing, Adoptive & Foster Parents
What type of accommodations are available to non-birthing and parenting students?
Upon the birth or adoption of a child, or placement of a foster child, a parenting student can request supportive measures in accordance with Student rule 7.2.1.3.1:
• Excused absences may be taken up to two days before/at the birth or placement and the days immediately following.
• Excused absences may not exceed 14 consecutive calendar days.
• Students will not be penalized and are automatically approved to complete missed work per Student Rule 7.4.1.
• Requests must be submitted as soon as the need becomes apparent.
• Documentation is required (due date and confirmation of non-birthing parent status; or placement documentation for adoption/fostering).
Send requests to the Civil Rights & Title IX Office at TIX.Pregnancy@tamu.edu, call (979)458.8407 or schedule a meeting here.
Privacy & Information Sharing
What information is shared with my professors?
The Title IX Office only shares information necessary to implement approved measures. We ask our students what information we can share before we meet with instructors or university departments to discuss accommodations. Medical information is protected under FERPA, so without students’ permission there are limited business reasons to release this information.
Reporting Concerns, Discrimination or Problems
How do I report discrimination or related to my pregnancy or parenting status?
Discrimination, harassment based on pregnancy or related conditions, and/or retaliation is prohibited. Students can report discrimination or harassment to the Civil Rights & Title IX Office:
Jennifer Smith or Paul Coxe, Title IX Coordinators
YMCA Building, Ste. 108, 365 Houston St., College Station, TX 77843
(979) 458-8407 | civilrights@tamu.edu
Or report online at titleix.tamu.edu.
How do I report concerns with the implementation of my pregnancy accommodations or a lactation space?
Contact Julie Kuder, ADA & Pregnancy Accommodations Coordinator
YMCA Building, Ste. 101, 365 Houston St., College Station, TX 77843
(979) 458-8407 | tix.pregnancy@tamu.edu
Students Who Are Also Employees
I am a student, but I am also a Texas A&M employee. Am I able to receive workplace accommodations during my pregnancy or when my partner delivers?
Students that are also employees can request workplace accommodations by contacting their HR Customer Support Hub or Employee Relations at Employee-Relations@tamu.edu or (979) 862-4027.