By Taylor Stewart
For expecting and parenting students, the college experience isn’t living in a residence hall or racing to use the last of their Dining Dollars before the end of the semester. Parenting students often experience a non-traditional route when it comes to their college education — many work full-time jobs and commute considerable distances, all while caring for their children.
Olivia LeNoir is a senior psychology major who gave birth to her son in January — during the first week of classes.
“I was literally in labor emailing my professors to get extensions, and they were so accommodating,” LeNoir said.
During her four years at UAB, LeNoir says she has valued her time as a Blazer, especially as she began her parenting journey. In March, she attended a lunch-and-learn info session from the Title IX and Off Campus Student and Family Engagement offices aimed at connecting students with resources on campus geared toward providing aid for parenting Blazers.
“[UAB looks] out for us — they help us by being proactive rather than reactive and that gives us a lot of cushion,” she explained. “It lets us know that we have their support, and we don’t have to drop out. We can be a parent and still get our degree.”
From learning how to develop an academic plan, find lactation centers on campus, gain access to Blazer Kitchen and more, UAB is a place where parenting Blazers can thrive — read below to learn about available resources.
1. Academic planning
Once students register with the Title IX office, Title IX will contact professors and instructors informing them of your accommodations due to pregnancy and/or related conditions; students also receive copies of these communications.
At this stage, students should take time to talk with instructors about their academic plan, which should include anticipated absences, course material completion, setting reasonable deadlines to complete missed work due to medically necessary leave, and preferred communication when missing class due to medical appointments or illnesses related to pregnancy.
2. Blazer Kitchen at the Hill Student Center
Open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, Blazer Kitchen at the Hill Student Center in Suite 103 is available to all students. Find fresh produce, canned goods, school supplies, diapers, wipes, baby food and more — students just need a ONE Card and a reusable grocery bag.
3. Absences for delivery
UAB’s Title IX office offers a variety of resources to expecting students, including coordinating with professors on absences that may take place prior to and after birth. Absences due to pregnancy or childbirth must be excused if it is deemed medically necessary by the treating physician; documentation should be provided to the Title IX Office.
4. Student Health Services
Located on Ninth Avenue South, Student Health Services is an appointment-based clinic for primary and specialty care. Expecting and parenting Blazers with the Student Health Insurance Plan must obtain a referral for all visits outside of Student Health Services; visits for OB/GYN do not require a referral. For students with private insurance coverage, referrals are offered as needed. Appointments can be made online or by calling 205-934-3580.
5. Child Development Center
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“[UAB looks] out for us — they help us by being proactive rather than reactive and that gives us a lot of cushion. It lets us know that we have their support, and we don’t have to drop out. We can be a parent and still get our degree.” |
UAB’s National Association for the Education of Young Children-accredited Child Development Center takes care of the needs of children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Classrooms and programming are designed around each child’s unique needs, and curriculum is built from the latest research in early childhood development. Learn more about UAB’s Child Development Center and to enroll online.
6. Campus lactation centers
UAB supports parenting and nursing parents by providing private and safe lactation rooms. From the Hill Student Center to Collat School of Business, Sterne Library and more, there are a variety of rooms; see a full list online and on the Campus Map.
7. Student Counseling Services
UAB Student Counseling Services offers students of all backgrounds, races, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, ethnicities and cultures a safe place to discuss and resolve issues that interfere with personal and academic goals. SCS provides a variety of services, from individual self-guiding tools, in-person and online appointments, group sessions and more. Schedule an appointment online.
8. Little Blazer Wishes
The holidays can be met with anxiety, especially as students navigate final exams. UAB Student Affairs’ Off Campus and Family Engagement office began Little Blazer Wishes as a way to anonymously give back to UAB’s parenting students. Since launching in 2019, more than 250 families have been helped during the holiday season. Learn how to participate online.
