Title IX and state law prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against students based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery from any of these conditions, or parenting. It also prohibits schools from applying any rule related to a student’s parental, familial, or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy, related conditions, or parenting. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy or parenting will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s doctor. Students needing assistance should contact:

Students needing assistance with pregnancy accommodations should contact:

Tasha Clark
Title IX Coordinator
Office of Compliance
Lewis Hall, Suite 130
tasha.clark@tamuk.edu 
361-593-4761

Students needing assistance with parenting accommodations should contact:

Kirsten Compary
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students
Office of the Dean of Students
Memorial Student Union Building, Suite 301
kirsten.compary@tamuk.edu 
361-593-3606

Information for Students

• Medically necessary absences due to pregnancy, related medical conditions, or parenting must be excused and cannot be treated or penalized like unexcused absences. When a student has multiple absences due to pregnancy, related medical conditions, or parenting they should contact the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Compliance. The Title IX Coordinator may request information from the student regarding their courses, instructors, and supporting medical information. The Title IX Coordinator will work with the student to ensure the student has an opportunity to make up any missed work and is not penalized for their absences.

• Parenting is defined as a student who is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age.

• Students may receive alternative arrangements to complete missed coursework which, depending on length of absences, may include Incomplete contracts. In some cases, students may request temporary leave from the University.

• The Title IX Coordinator may assist professors with working with students to determine alternative arrangements. Professors must give students sufficient time to complete the alternative arrangements and may not start the alternative arrangements until the student has returned to class.

• Once the student returns to class and the alternative arrangements have been communicated to the student, the student is responsible for completing assignments. Failure to complete alternative arrangements may impact the final grade.

• Students are encouraged to discuss any schedule changes with a Financial Aid Advisor as changes to schedules may result in financial aid adjustments. The Title IX Coordinator may assist with this process. Students can contact the Financial Aid Office at 361-593-5372.

• To ensure an appropriate response, students should contact the Title IX Coordinator as soon as practically possible. Accommodations and assistance will only be provided retroactively in extremely limited cases.

• Students may also request accommodations regarding their pregnancy through the Office of Compliance. Accommodations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. · Title IX and state law do not include absences for child care. If you have a specific concern and need more information, contact our office.

Continuing Activities During Pregnancy

Students cannot be excluded from any programs or activities based on pregnancy or parenting. A professor or administrator cannot require a Doctor’s note for continued participation unless required for all students with a medical condition that requires treatment by a doctor. If the student does provide a note, the University cannot second-guess the Doctor’s decision.

Some university programs and/or classes may involve exposure to chemicals, radiation, or other circumstances that are considered harmful to an unborn child. In these cases, pregnant students, or students planning to become pregnant, should consult with their health care provider to determine if any additional precautions are needed based on their individual situation. The student is then encouraged to contact the Office of Compliance to explore appropriate risk reduction options.

Parking Permits

Requests for a temporary parking permit valid for all parking spaces, except 24-hour reserved, fire lane, loading/unloading lanes, and disabled parking, can be made with the Title IX Coordinator.

Lactation

Lactation rooms are located in Lewis Hall and the Music Education Complex. These rooms are available to faculty, staff, and students. To access the room in Lewis Hall, please check-in at the front office of the University Police Department. The lactation room in the Music Education Complex is located on the 2nd floor, northeast corner. There is no check-in process to use this room.

Faculty and staff may contact the Title IX Coordinator to make arrangements, as appropriate, for a lactation room closer to their work location.

Please contact the Title IX Coordinator with any questions or concerns. Our office strives to be a resource regarding pregnant and parenting students.