The University of Texas at Austin is committed to providing an educational and working environment for its students, faculty, and staff that is free from discrimination on the basis of pregnant and parenting status in accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.982, HOP 3-3021 and other applicable laws.
FAQs
Who does this policy apply to?
This Policy applies to all University faculty, staff, employees, students, student organizations, visitors, contractors, university affiliates, and applicants for admission to or employment with the University and others conducting business on campus.
What is the purpose of the pregnancy, nursing, and parenting policy?
The purpose of this policy is to ensure an educational and working environment for students, faculty, and staff free from discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or parenting status. Discriminating against pregnant and parenting individuals is prohibited under the University's Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) 3-3031, Prohibition of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, StalkingSexual Harassment, and Sex Discrimination.
What resources are available for those who are pregnant, nursing, and/or parenting?
The University provides reasonable supportive measures, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, to pregnant and parenting students on an individualized and voluntary basis depending on the student’s needs resulting from pregnancy or related conditions and/or parenting.Documentation may be required to receive supportive measures. Supportive measures that constitute undue hardship, including fundamentally altering the education program or activity, are not considered reasonable supportive measures. Reasonable supportive measures may include, but are not limited to:
Excuse absences, including intermittent absences to attend medical appointments;
Medically necessary leave (i.e., for bedrest, postpartum period);
Additional time to complete assignments and/or exams (applied in the same manner as theUniversity allows for students with temporary medical conditions);
Make up missed coursework, including assignments and/or exams;
Provide the student with access to instructional materials and video recordings of lectures for classes for which the student has an excused absence under this section and to the same extent that instructional materials and video recordings of lectures are made available to any other student with an excused absence;
Breaks during class to attend to related health needs, breastfeeding, or expressing breastmilk;
Changes in schedule or course sequence;
Changes in physical space or supplies (i.e., access to a larger desk or a footrest);
Maintain a safe distance from substances,
Who should I contact if I'm looking for support?
The Student Parent Liaison is a staff member in the Title IX Office whois 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 can be contacted via email at supportandresources@austin.utexas.edu or by phone at 512-471-0419.