Pregnant & Parenting Student Information - Riverland
menu
menu
Close Menu

Pregnant & Parenting Student Information

Riverland Community College supports and accommodates pregnant and parenting students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (June 2013) from the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students.”

Title IX: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

At Riverland Community College, pregnant and parenting students are entitled to full access to all programs, services, and activities sponsored by the college. Every department and unit is required to ensure that students are not discriminated against based on:

  • Pregnancy
  • Childbirth
  • False pregnancy
  • Termination of pregnancy
  • Recovery from any of these conditions

Riverland is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can thrive.

Student Parent Navigator

Riverland Community College encourages students who are pregnant and/or parenting to connect with our Student Parent Navigator—a dedicated resource designed to support student-parents in balancing their academic and family responsibilities.

The Student Parent Navigator can assist with identifying and accessing support services both on campus and within the local community, helping you and your family meet basic needs and thrive during your time at Riverland. To request assistance from our Parent Navigator, Book with Suhai Boyer

Student Absence

Student absences due to pregnancy or childbirth must be excused if deemed medically necessary by the student’s doctor. Upon return, students must be reinstated to the same academic and co-curricular status they held before their leave.

If a student misses class due to pregnancy or related medical conditions, faculty must allow the student to submit work after deadlines and earn class attendance and participation points. Faculty will work collaboratively with the student to determine how missed work and points can be made up in a reasonable timeframe.

In addition, Riverland Community College may offer the student alternatives to making up missed work. The student should be allowed to choose the option that best meets their needs. Possible alternatives may include:

  • Retaking a semester

  • Participating in an online credit recovery program

  • Continuing at their own pace and finishing the program at a later date with extended time

Riverland is committed to supporting all students in reaching their academic goals while balancing family and health needs.

Accessibility Services

Pregnant students at Riverland Community College will be provided with special services designed for individuals with temporary medical conditions. Our Accessibility Resources office will work with students to determine and coordinate the appropriate services. Medical certification may be required through Accessibility Resources to ensure proper accommodations.

Based on any functional limitations imposed by pregnancy, students may be eligible for additional services. Examples of accommodations may include, but are not limited to:

  • Providing a larger desk

  • Allowing frequent bathroom breaks

  • Temporary access to elevators or other campus facilities

Additionally, Riverland Community College offers designated spaces on campus for students who may need to breastfeed. 

Any harassing behavior towards the student due to their pregnancy (such as sexual comments, jokes, and humiliating or physically threatening or harmful behavior) must be promptly addressed and referred to the Title IX Coordinator on campus.

Title IX Coordinator

Heather Harms
Title IX Coordinator 
Email: heather.harms@riverland.edu
Phone: (507) 433-0351
Building: Austin East C104

Title IX Sexual Violence Prevention | Riverland Reporting - Riverland

Investigation of Discrimination Allegations

All allegations of discrimination against or towards a pregnant or parenting student at Riverland Community College will be investigated in accordance with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board Policy 1B.1 - Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education, as well as System Procedure 1B.1.1 - Report/Complaint of Discrimination/Harassment Investigation and Resolution.