Pregnancy and Parenting

Parental Accommodation Policy

Parker University recognizes the importance of balancing the family and academic needs of new parents and provides support for  students who are anticipating the birth or adoption of a child. Parker extends this support to parents expecting a baby, to parents who are adopting a child, to parents through surrogacy, and to parents nursing their infants.

Parker University prohibits discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law, including discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, in the administration of its programs and activities.  Parker will neither require nor prohibit leaves of absence for pregnancy or childbirth. In addition, Parker will reasonably accommodate its students, including pregnant students, so that they may continue to make progress toward the completion of their degree. 

Childbearing women as well as non-birth parents in good standing are entitled to a “Parental Accommodation” period. The delivering mother is eligible for of up to 6 weeks of leave following the birth of a child or adoption of a child under six years of age. During this time the student is entitled to “a modification of deadlines and academic expectations to accommodate the student’s new parental responsibilities” including assignments, exams, attendance, and other requirements, as determined in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator and the Dean of the program of enrollment. Any impacts to course schedule and length of enrollment will be disclosed to the delivering mother at the time pregnancy is reported.

Non-Birth parents are entitled to up to 14 days of leave for bonding and caring for a new child. During this time the non-birth parent is entitled to the same modifications and accommodations referenced above.

During the Accommodation Period, students may participate in academic activities as they deem necessary. Following the expiration of the six week term, Parker University encourages faculty to remain flexible in working with the student to complete missed academic requirements.

This accommodation period is in addition to Parker's Leave of Absence Policy.

Students seeking accommodation for pregnancy or parenting should click  HERE.

Any student who believes that they have not been treated equitably under the provisions of this policy may file a grievance with Title IX Office by clicking HERE, through the Student Non-Academic Grievance Procedure. Please direct all inquires to:

Alaina Mount, MS

Associate Provost of University Compliance &

Dean of Student Affairs/Title IX Coordinator

Email: amount@parker.edu

Phone: (214) 353-6514

LACTATION ROOM

Students in need of a safe and secure place for nursing children should make arrangements with the Department of Student Affairs to use the Lactation Lounge (N100). Students should work with their course instructors to provide sufficient breaks in their schedule to allow nursing during or outside of class time.