Accommodations and Support

Policy on Pregnant Students and Students who have Recently Given Birth

Iowa State University is dedicated to providing a supportive and non-discriminatory environment for students who are pregnant or have recently given birth. 

This policy outlines the rights, responsibilities, and reasonable accommodations available to these students within the university community.

For more detailed information and additional resources, please review the policy.

 

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are based on individual assessments and specific situations.

Accommodations may include:

  • Health and Safety measures
  • Rescheduling tests and assignment due dates
  • Allowing leaves of absence
  • Excusing medically necessary absences due to pregnancy or related conditions.

Support

Students Accessibility Services (SAS) is committed to assisting students with pregnancy‑related accommodation needs.

Please submit a Pregnancy Accommodations Registration Form to request accommodations. 

 


 

Reporting

The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) oversees all reports of pregnancy‑related discrimination or harassment. If you experience or witness discrimination or harassment related to pregnancy or childbirth, please submit an Incident Report Form.

Pregnancy and Parenting Resources

Bridge Funding provides short-term funding for up to 12 continuous weeks of paid leave for all graduate assistants, predoctoral scholars, and postdoctoral scholars who will be adding a new child to their family through birth or adoption. Leaves may begin during pregnancy, before adoption, or after the arrival of the child.

Lactation Support: offers more than 30 designated lactation rooms across campus. These spaces are available to all staff, faculty, students, and visitors.

Parenting Students Resource Hub is designed to provide students with comprehensive resources, from child care assistance to academic support and peer connections

The Office of Student Assistance helps students experiencing difficulties or challenges achieve academic success. In collaboration with campus and community partners, they provide support through connection to appropriate resources and awareness of university processes for students attending Iowa State University.

Student Health and Wellness offers support through the following programs. 

  • Recreation Services offers the freedom of individuality through a wide range of diverse programs, activities, and facilities.
  • Medical Services Students can be seen for illness or injuries, have tests done, receive immunizations, get a physical or check-up, have their prescriptions filled, receive physical therapy, and more at Thielen Student Health Center (TSHC).
  • Mental Health Students at Iowa State have free access to various counseling options through Student Counseling Services. Options include traditional individual counseling, group counseling & workshops.
  • Support Programs are resources available through Student Health and Wellness. These support programs include, but are not limited to, services related to substance use, nutrition and body image, food security, training opportunities, and more.

The Academic Success Center provides opportunities for students to develop skills that promote success, practice leadership, and become self-directed learners through the delivery of centralized, high-quality academic support services that are responsive to the needs of the campus community.

The Office of Child Care and Family Services is dedicated to supporting the university community by offering expert consultation, assistance, and information on early childhood care and education. They provide guidance on finding child care, accessing essential resources, and building strong support networks.

 

Discrimination and Harassment

If you or someone you know has been impacted by discrimination or harassment related to pregnancy or childbirth, please report the incident to Equal Opportunity.