Pregnancy and Parenting Resources for Students

For Pregnant Students

Virginia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy in its education programs or activities, including any class or extracurricular activity.  Applicable federal regulations and University policy mandate that reasonable modifications be afforded to students experiencing pregnancy or related conditions, including pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, false pregnancy, lactation, or recovery from any of these conditions. 

The Title IX Office coordinates the provision of reasonable modifications for students experiencing pregnancy or related conditions.  Reasonable modifications may include, but are not limited to:

• Excused absences for pregnancy-related conditions and/or appointments
• Schedule adjustments
• Coursework extensions
• Makeup of missed assignments
• Modified attendance requirements
• Rescheduled exams
• Access to food and/or water
• Restroom breaks
• Lactation breaks
• Modified desk and/or chair
• Elevator access
• Parking adjustments

For Student Parents

• Family Study Room
  Johnson Memorial Library
  Room 224

The Family Study Room is available for students who have their children with them while they study.  Information about the Family Study Room’s use and policies, and how to reserve the room can be found on the Johnson Memorial Library website, www.library.vsu.edu, or calling the University Libraries Information Desk at (804) 524-5043.

• Lactation Rooms
  Virginia State University maintains two lactation rooms on campus for use by both employees and students to express breastmilk. 
  • Johnson Memorial Library
    Room 222
    Available by reservation only
  • Academic Commons Building (Harris Hall)
    Room 2123
    Contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at (804) 524-5930 for assistance with access.

For Faculty and Staff

If a student discloses that they are pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy-related condition, you are encouraged to inform them of the support available through the Title IX Office.  Instructors are also encouraged to use the Title IX Office’s syllabus statement regarding pregnancy and related conditions. 

Faculty or staff may receive an email notification from the Title IX Office regarding a student who is experiencing pregnancy or related conditions. The notification is to inform the faculty or staff member that the student is requesting, or may later request, modifications, or that the student has excused absences due to pregnancy or a related condition.

Students may request reasonable modifications for pregnancy or related conditions. The Title IX Office will work with appropriate faculty or staff, as needed, to determine whether the requested modification is reasonable. Generally, a modification is considered reasonable if it does not fundamentally alter the essential nature of the course.

The Title IX Office is available to support faculty and staff in administering reasonable modifications.  If a student requests a pregnancy-related modification that you believe may not be reasonable, please consult with the Title IX Office for guidance.