Pregnant & Parenting Student Information
Pregnant & Parenting Student Request Form
Riverland is committed to supporting pregnant and parenting students by providing access to priority registration and other helpful resources. To request support, please complete this form.
Who should I contact?
- Students: Contact the Student Parent Navigator or complete the request form above.
- Employees: Contact Human Resources regarding accommodations or workplace modifications.
Riverland Community College supports and accommodates pregnant and parenting students under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
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 encourages students who are pregnant and/or parenting to connect with the 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 during your time at Riverland.
Academic Accommodations and Absences
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.
Riverland may offer 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 students in reaching their academic goals while balancing family and health needs.
Accessibility Services
Pregnant students may be eligible for services designed for individuals with temporary medical conditions. Accessibility Services will work with students to determine and coordinate appropriate accommodations. Medical certification may be required.
Based on functional limitations related to pregnancy, students may be eligible for accommodations such as:
- Providing a larger desk
- Allowing frequent bathroom breaks
- Temporary access to elevators or other campus facilities
Lactation Rooms
Riverland provides designated private spaces for students who need to breastfeed or express milk.
- Austin East: TBD
- Austin West: TBD
- Albert Lea: TBD
- Owatonna: TBD
Harassment or Discrimination Related to Pregnancy
Any harassing behavior toward a student because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition must be promptly addressed. This may include sexual comments, jokes, humiliation, threats, or harmful behavior.
Questions about Title IX protections, discrimination, harassment, or accommodations can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator using the contact information provided on this page.
Title IX Sexual Violence Prevention
Investigation of Discrimination Allegations
All allegations of discrimination against or toward 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.