The University of Connecticut is committed to maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living and working environment for all members of the University community. This includes providing support and resources to students, faculty and staff who are pregnant or caring for children. UConn encourages students who are pregnant to disclose this information to the Center for Students with Disabilities if they are seeking accommodations.
The US Department of Education’s regulation implementing Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. If you are a pregnant or parenting student, UConn has resources to help you.
Accommodations
Pregnant students are entitled to engage in the interactive, individualized process to review accommodations, the same as students with other medical conditions, illness or injury. Students may contact the Center for Students with Disabilities for assistance.
- Center for Students with Disabilities
The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) engages in an interactive process with each student and reviews requests for accommodations on an individualized, case-by-case basis. The CSD may also assist students who have a temporary condition such as pregnancy, which may result in functional limitations.
Support
- Dean of Students Office (Storrs)
The Dean of Students Office serves as a centralized resource for connecting students with appropriate university and community programs, offices and individuals. The office supports students in resolving educational, personal and other university concerns that affect the quality of their academic or community life and personal goals.
Student Health
- Student Health Services (located on Storrs campus)
- Sexual & Reproductive Health Services (a service of Student Health Services), includes HIV vaccine and clinics, STI testing, emergency contraception services, and other counseling services.
- Prenatal Care: US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health
On-Campus Counseling Services
- Storrs
- Avery Point
- Hartford
- Stamford
- Waterbury
Housing – Storrs Campus
- Off-Campus Student Services
While the University does not offer family housing for on-campus students, Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) can help students with exploring their options for off-campus housing. OCSS serves as an advocate for students and centralized resource for off-campus living.
Athletics
Additional Resources for International Students
- U.S. Citizenship
The General Requirements for Acquisition of Citizenship at Birth from the US. Citizenship and Immigration Services states “a person born in the United States who is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States is a U.S. citizen at birth, to include a person born to a member of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribe”. - Passport for U.S. Born Baby
The passport application form and additional information may be found at the U.S. Department of State website. Instructions for the U.S. Passport Application, including the Requirements for Children section are available on the site. - International Student and Scholar Services
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) supports the greater internationalization of the University of Connecticut through the development and delivery of services and programs that help international students, scholars, faculty and staff accomplish their academic and professional goals at UConn.
Work/Life
Work/Life strives to promote a culture of balanced work and life for University of Connecticut faculty, staff, and students. UConn offers work/life programs, policies and resources in support of family, engagement and wellness. The family resource page includes information on adoption assistance, childcare and preschool facilities, and parenting resources.
Lactation Resources
- Lactation Policy
The purpose of the Lactation Policy is to provide employees and students who are breastfeeding a private place and reasonable break time to express breast milk for their nursing child. This policy is in accordance with relevant laws and regulations regarding breastfeeding in the workplace. - Lactation Facilities
Policies and Commitment to Non-Discrimination
Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence
Every member of the University community, including faculty and staff should use their best efforts to accommodate students and staff who are pregnant and parenting, pursuant to University polices. The University does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its education or employment programs and activities on the basis of an individual’s membership in any protected classes as set forth in state or federal law. To that end, the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Related Interpersonal Violence, prohibits specific forms of behavior that violate state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“VAWA”), and related state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
If any member of our community feels they have been discriminated against, harassed, or treated unfairly due to their pregnancy or parenting related issues, and/or based on their sex or gender, they are strongly encouraged to report the issue to the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). OIE ensures the University’s commitment and responsibility to foster diverse and inclusive working and learning environments.
Non-Retaliation Policy
The University’s Non-Retaliation Policy defines how the University provides for the protection of any person or group within its community from retaliation who, in good faith, participate in investigations or report alleged violations of policies, laws, rules or regulations applicable to the University of Connecticut.
Student Employees: Children in the Workplace Policy
The purpose of UConn’s Children in the Workplace Policy is to establish criteria that permit children to visit their parents (or other relatives) who work at the University, protect their welfare and safety, reduce potential liability and risk for the University and promote an environment in which faculty, staff and students remain productive. Employees should review this policy prior to bringing children to the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I have to miss class to give birth/go to a prenatal visit/be on bed rest/terminate my pregnancy. Will my absence be excused?
- To ensure that the University can provide appropriate accommodations, it is important for students to disclose their absence from classes due to pregnancy as soon as possible. Absences due to pregnancy and related conditions may be excused. This includes labor, delivery, recovery, and prenatal appointments. This would also be a great opportunity to connect with the Center for Students with Disabilities.
- Will I be able to make up work I missed while absent due to pregnancy and related conditions?
- To ensure that the University can provide appropriate accommodations, it is important for students to disclose their absence from classes due to pregnancy as soon as possible. You may be given the opportunity to make up missed work from absences due to pregnancy and related conditions. You are encouraged to discuss the options available with the Center for Students with Disabilities.
- I am a student athlete. Can I still participate in my sport’s activities?
- A student athlete may continue activities as normal, unless the student and physician decide otherwise. Additional information may be found in the UConn Student-Athlete Handbook or at NCAA Pregnant and Parenting Student Athletes.
- What if I am a parent or caregiver and my child becomes sick and I have to miss class?
- Students with children may need to be absent in order to care for a sick child, cover a gap in child care, or other emergencies. Instructors are encouraged to assist students with such absences.
- What if a professor made an offensive comment to me about my pregnancy?
- The University prohibits discrimination, as well as discriminatory harassment based on sex, which includes pregnancy. The University also prohibits retaliation for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a complaint about discrimination. If you feel you have experienced discrimination or retaliation based on your pregnancy or parenting status, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE).