What if some professors have their own policies about class attendance and make-up work?

Absences due to pregnancy or related conditions must be excused and cannot be treated or penalized like an unexcused absences.

If the grading process is based in part on class attendance or participation, the professor can provide an alternative assignment. The student should be allowed to earn the credits missed due to the leave.

The professor will provide a reasonable amount of time to make up for missed assignments and tests. The makeup assignments and tests must be reasonably equivalent to those missed,but do not need to be identical. If a professor provides specific points or other advantages to students based on class attendance, the same opportunity must be provided to earn back the credit from classes missed due to pregnancy.

Will UAB cancel my scholarship because I am pregnant?

No, UAB does not terminate or reduce athletic, merit or need-based scholarships based on pregnancy.

What are some examples of modified academic responsibilities that may be available for a student while she is pregnant and attending UAB classes?

Modified academic responsibilities could include accessible seating, larger desk, temporary elevator access, and/or allowing frequent trips to the restroom, banking clinical hours, and/or limiting exposure to hazardous substances.

How do I report harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy?

UAB prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. Pregnant or parenting students who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed because of a qualifying condition may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator

What about internships, career rotations, and other off-campus elements of the program – does a pregnant student have the right to participate in those?

YES! The college must allow pregnant students to continue participating in off-campus programs. For example, if the program provides opportunities to work in the field, the college cannot deny the pregnant student participation based on her pregnancy. The college cannot require a doctor’s note for continued participation, unless the college requires one for all students who have a medical condition that requires treatment by the doctor.

What about classes or labs that may pose a hazard to a developing fetus? What about clinical placements?

A college may issue general warnings concerning the health risk a student may encounter as a result of participation in course work, labs, clinical assignments, or other components of an educational program (e.g. bacterial disease, viral disease, radioactivity, etc.). The college may also notify all students of possible precautionary measures they may wish to take prior to engaging in such activities or actions. Pregnant students may choose to participate in the activities or actions or may request comparable alternatives.

Title IX regulations do permit colleges and universities to require students who are pregnant, or have a related condition, to obtain certification from a physician to confirm that the student is physically and emotionally able to continue participation in a recipient’s program if such certification is required of all students for other physical or emotional conditions that require a physician’s attention.

You must register with Title IX office for us to assist you with cancelling housing.

There are supportive resources for you both on and off campus. We have compiled a list of resources and services available to support you and your family. Included are brief descriptions of the services as well as links to learn more. If you have any questions please contact the Title IX Office. Please see Campus and Community Support to see list of resources available in our area.

There are supportive resources for you both on and off campus. We have compiled a list of resources and services available to support you and your family. Included are brief descriptions of the services as well as links to learn more. If you have any questions please contact the Title IX Office. Please see Please see Campus and Community Support page to see list of resources available in our area.

Lactation Resources

No, you can continue to live on-campus. If you decide to move off-campus and need to cancel your housing contract the Title IX Office can assist you. For more information about canceling your housing contract please review https://www.uab.edu/students/housing/apply/contract-cancellation.

View Lactation Resources

Where can I go to receive medical care during my pregnancy?

Student Health Services can help arrange a referral to an off-campus physician, provide nutritional guidance, and answer your questions about what to expect during pregnancy.