Student Parent Liaison

The Student Parent Liaison is a staff member in the Title IX Office who is responsible for providing current and incoming parenting students with information regarding supportive measures and other resources available to parenting students at the university. The Student Parent Liaison, Robert Leary, Ph.D., can be contacted via email at supportandresources@austin.utexas.edu or by phone at 512-471-0419.

Supportive Measures

The Title IX Office provides supportive measures on an individualized and voluntary basis depending on the student’s needs resulting from pregnancy or parenting. The Title IX Office provides reasonable supportive measures when necessary to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to education unless the modification would fundamentally alter the education program or activity. As reasonably available, documentation may be required for supportive measures based on a matter relating to pregnancy or parenting status. 

The following are examples of supportive measures for students:

• Excused absences with the availability to make up missed assignments or coursework
• Additional time to complete assignments (applied in the same manner as ADA/504 accommodations for additional time on assignments or tests, with required documentation)
• Allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from substances, areas, and activities known to be hazardous to pregnant women or unborn children
• Access to instructional materials and video recordings of lectures (if available) for classes due to excused absences due to pregnancy or related conditions (applied in the same manner as any other student with excused absences)
• Any other accommodations deemed reasonable, based on the student’s individual needs

Students who work on campus, including graduate students, are eligible to receive supportive measures for their student and/or employee affiliation.

Leaves of Absence

The Title IX Office facilitates leaves of absence, on a voluntary basis, for pregnant and parenting students. A pregnant or parenting student may undertake a leave of absence and, if in good academic standing at the start of the leave of absence, return to the student's degree or certificate program in good academic standing without being required to reapply for admission. Visit our Pregnancy and Parenting Leave of Absence page for more information. 

Medically Necessary Periods of Leave

The Title IX Office facilitates medically necessary periods of leave for pregnant and parenting students. Medically necessary leave may be provided due to the following circumstances:

• Pregnancy-related conditions that require leave or academic modifications
• Medical recovery in the immediate postpartum period
• Child caretaking and parenting responsibilities in the immediate postpartum period

Priority Registration for Parenting Students

Students who are parents or legal guardians of children under 18 years of age are eligible to receive priority registration. This accommodation allows eligible UT Austin students to register for courses on the first day of course registration. Eligible students may receive priority registration by completing a registration accommodation form. For more information about priority registration, parenting students can contact the Student Parent Liaison via email at supportandresources@austin.utexas.edu or by phone at 512-471-0419.

Prohibition of Discrimination on the Basis of Pregnancy or Parenting Status

The University of Texas at Austin policy HOP 3-3021 prohibits the discrimination of students who are pregnant and/or parenting. Any student, faculty, or staff may report experiencing or witnessing discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or parenting status via the online reporting form, via email at titleix@austin.utexas.edu, or by calling 512-471-0419.

Workplace Accommodations for Pregnant Employees

The University provides reasonable accommodations to employees experiencing limitations associated with pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). While many accommodations under the PWFA can be managed at the departmental level, Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation facilitates the process when situations are more complex. Documentation from an individual’s healthcare provider is necessary in these situations to assess the limitations associated with one’s condition(s) and what accommodations are appropriate. Institutional Accessibility and Accommodation can be contacted via email at ada@austin.utexas.edu. 

More information about the PWFA accommodation process is here.