Pregnancy and Parenting FAQs

Many questions asked by pregnant and parenting students have nuanced answers which cannot be posted in the FAQ section of this website.  Students whose questions are not answered by these FAQs are encouraged to reach out to the Dean of Students Administration Office or the other resources listed below.

Academic Concerns

What if I need to miss class or cannot meet assignment deadlines due to pregnancy complications or delivery?

Title IX gives you the opportunity to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before your medical leave began but still expects you to complete the coursework required to receive a final grade. When you return to school after the duration of absence deemed medically necessary by your physician, the department in which you took the course will offer ways to make up missed work, such as retaking a semester, online options if available or timelines for completion of work. You should be allowed to choose how to make up the work from available options.

Students are advised to contact their Academic Advisor as soon as possible so that they may assist with developing a plan, including requesting a No Grade if applicable.

Does the University provide me with special accommodations due to pregnancy?

The University is able to work with students to provide special accommodations on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to work with their professors where appropriate for minor accommodations such as larger desks and access to non-public elevators.  Staff in Dean of Students Administration Office are also available to assist with requesting accommodations.

Students experiencing complications related to pregnancy may qualify for academic accommodations coordinated by Disability Resources if the complication(s) qualify as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, or alternatively, whether the student has a record of or is regarded as having such impairment under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Information about contacting Disability Resources can be found at the bottom of the page. You may also read about discrimination and leave policy set forth by the U.S. Department of Education here.

What if I need to take an incomplete in a class?

A temporary grade of I or K (incomplete) at the end of a semester or summer term indicates that the student has completed the course with the exception of a major quiz, final examination or single major assignment. The instructor shall give this grade only when the deficiency is due to an approved university excused absence. Each instructor awarding an incomplete grade must complete an “Incomplete Grade Report,” which will be filed with the department head or designee of the department offering the course. Copies will also be sent to the student and to the student’s academic dean or designee. An incomplete must be removed before the last day of scheduled classes of the next long semester in which the student enrolls in the university unless the student’s academic dean or designee, with the consent of the instructor, grants a time extension. In the absence of the instructor, the department head may grant a time extension. Failure to complete the required work in the appropriate period of time, or registering for the course again, will result in the I or K being changed to an F by the Registrar.

In accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Tarleton State University shall treat pregnancy (childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery therefrom) and related conditions as a justification for an excused absence for so long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician.  Requests for leave of absence related to pregnancy should be directed to the instructor; questions about Title IX should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator

Financial Concerns

What happens to my financial aid or scholarship if I cannot attend class regularly during a semester or if I take a semester off?

Students who are receiving student financial aid or scholarships through the University are encouraged to meet with the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of their situation.  If the student needs to take a semester off, they can apply for a medical withdrawal.  Once they return to school, they can apply to have their financial aid reinstated.  Scholarships awarded by donors outside of the University are not protected by Title IX.  Students should contact the donor to discuss options.  If the donor is willing to accommodate the student’s needs, the Office of Financial Aid must receive a written request from the donor.

Child Care Concerns

What childcare options are available in the community?

There are many childcare facilities in the Stephenville/Ft. Worth.  The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) offers a database for parents to search for licensed facilities.  Parents are highly encouraged to utilize the database to learn about childcare options in our community and their relative safety. Parents may also utilize Tarleton State University’s Parent Resources Page.

DFPS Childcare Database

Parents may also utilize Tarleton State University’s Child Development Center located on campus in Moody Hall on the Stephenville Campus.

Is there financial assistance to pay for childcare?

Workforce Solutions offers a low-income childcare subsidy through its Child Care Services program.  This the size of the subsidy is based on the parent’s income.  To be eligible, each parent or guardian living with the child must be working, in an approved training program, or in school a minimum of 25 hours per week.  This program typically has a waitlist and students are encouraged to look into the program as soon as possible.

Workforce Solutions Child Care Services

What if I need to miss a class or cannot complete an assignment due to my child’s illness?

These types of absences would be considered an excused absence.  Students are responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to the instructor to substantiate the reason for the absence.  Students are encouraged to work with the instructor to determine how to make up miss classwork. Furthermore, an absence request may be submitted through the Dean of Students Administration Office.

What if I encounter harassment from a University faculty, staff, or student because of my pregnancy?

The University is obligated to protect students against harassment based on their pregnancy or related conditions if the harassment is persistent or pervasive enough to interfere with the student’s ability to benefit from the University program or activity. Comments that could constitute harassment include sexual comments related to the student’s pregnancy, sexually charged names, spreading rumors about the student’s sexual activity, making sexual propositions or gestures. Contact the Title IX Coordinator if you believe you have been a victim of harassment.

Campus Resources

Personalized Guidance

Specialized Resources

Disability Resources will provide resources and referral information to meet the various needs of our students, faculty, and staff. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Department of Disability Resources to request academic accommodations for their educational program. Advance notice of the need for academic accommodation can help to ensure that there is adequate time to review the request and determine each request on a case-by-case basis. Federal law requires that instructors make reasonable academic adjustments to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities to provide equal educational access and avoid discrimination. In providing an academic accommodation, the University does not have to eliminate or lower essential requirements, make modifications that would result in a fundamental alteration of programs or activities, or impose an undue burden on the institution.

Student Counseling Services provides short-term, solution-focused counseling and support to Tarleton State University students. We offer a variety of services to meet the wide array of our students’ needs, from mental health training, collaborative outreach, and wellness workshops, to a variety of clinical services including counseling groups, single-session individual appointments, and brief, individual counseling. Our clinicians are generalist counselors who are licensed to practice in the State of Texas. When a higher level of care or specialization is necessary, we coordinate and / or refer to appropriate providers. We provide consultation to our campus community, work collaboratively across departments and divisions, and promote resiliency, connection, hope, and healing across our community.

Here you’ll find information on applying for grants, student loans and other financial aid for college, when to expect your financial aid award, income and academic eligibility and more.

The Office of the Registrar’s mission is to help all students achieve their academic goals. Visit Student Registrar Services to learn more.

Residence Life is your connection to community. We offer comfortable, secure college housing on the Stephenville campus combined with valuable learning and leadership opportunities that enhance your college experience. Build lifelong relationships with peers, faculty and staff. Develop in a vibrant, active community. Participate in campus events and activities. Enjoy the convenience of being close to your classes and campus life. These are just some of the many benefits to living on campus and being involved with Residence Life.