Pregnancy and Parenting

Title IX protects pregnant and parenting individuals and requires equal access and equal participation for pregnant and parenting in educational programs and activities including work, clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities and other activities. Title VII and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protect pregnant employees by forbidding discrimination on the basis of sex based on pregnancy. NC State has many resources available to individuals who identify as pregnant or parenting.

This page has information and resources for all individuals on campus who identify as pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, followed by resources specifically for students and employees. Individuals can find information about the request process for reasonable accommodations as well as the complaint form for individuals who feel they have been discriminated against based on the basis of pregnancy.

Please Note: The inclusion of the below referenced resources are for informational purposes only. Please note this is not an institutional endorsement of products or services. Hyperlinks are current as of the updated date listed at the bottom of this page. The inclusion or exclusion of any resource does not reflect any attitudes or perspectives of the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.

Student Resources

Pregnant and parenting students can use the following resources to assist them.

  • NC State policy states that pregnant or parenting students may not be prevented from attending class on the basis of pregnancy. Absences due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery from any aforementioned condition will be excused with documentation from a medical professional indicating that the absences are necessary.
  • Faculty members must allow students the opportunity to make up the work missed while out due to pregnancy or any related conditions, including recovery from childbirth. If a faculty member awards “points” or other advantages based on class attendance, students must be given the opportunity to earn back the credit from classes missed because of pregnancy.
  • Reasonable adjustments can be made by a faculty member to students needing assistance.
  • Students seeking assistance can contact Equal Opportunity and Equity.

  • Pampers offers Childbirth Education Classes. It is 9-part series, led by clinical childbirth experts, provides in-depth information for new parents on all stages of the childbirth journey— from contractions and stages of labor to breastfeeding and check-ups.

  • Parenting students may be eligible for a childcare subsidy. Apply with NCDHHS. You may be eligible if any of the following apply to your situation:
    • you are working or are attempting to find work;
    • you are in school or in a job training program (undergraduate students only);
    • your child is receiving child protective services;
    • your child needs care to support child welfare services or if your family is experiencing a crisis;
    • your child has developmental needs.

  • Students can schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center to discuss pregnancy options if you are pregnant or suspect you might be.

  • Pregnant and parenting students are able to participate in extracurricular activities, including student organizations, academic societies and athletic programs. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits the limitation of student involvement on the basis of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.

  • Graduate students may be eligible to take leave for the birth or care of a newborn or placement or care of an adopted or foster child.  The parental leave regulation allows graduate students to maintain full-time registered student status and facilitates return to full participation in classwork and, where applicable, research and teaching responsibilities. See Parental Leave for Graduate Students.

  • NC State and campus partners have developed many programs to support students in need of food, housing, financial and educational security.
  • Students can learn more or apply for Pack Essentials support at dasa.ncsu.edu/pack-essentials.

  • The Women’s Center works to build and create a community of authentic and engaged allies and leaders to pursue gender equity and social justice, enhancing the campus climate through education, advocacy, support and leadership development”.  You can connect to the Women’s Center through peer leadership opportunities, book clubs or Feminist Friday’s, utilize our drop on counseling hours, or participate in the Womxn of Color Retreat just to name a few opportunities.In addition, the Women’s Center provides support to survivors of sexual and relationship violence, including stalking. Services include crisis counseling intervention, academic and housing advocacy, accompaniment to court, student conduct hearings and law enforcement agencies and referrals to other services on campus or in the community. The NC State Women’s Center serves all NC State students and welcomes students of all genders, gender expressions and sexual orientations.

  • Student Health Services provides a Gynecology Services clinic. The clinic offers services relating to pregnancy prevention methods, testing and referrals.

Faculty and Staff Resources

Faculty and staff members can use the following resources to assist them.

  • Pampers offers Childbirth Education Classes. It is 9-part series, led by clinical childbirth experts, provides in-depth information for new parents on all stages of the childbirth journey— from contractions and stages of labor to breastfeeding and check-ups.

  • The Benefits group within Human Resources administers a holistic, robust and inclusive childcare program for the university. NC State has partnered with several local providers to provide childcare discounts for employees. See Child Care Resources for NC State University Employees for additional information.

  • The Paid Parental Leave Policy provides eligible state employees leave time for care and bonding with a newborn or a child under the age of eighteen, newly placed for adoption, foster or other legal placement.

Reporting Harassment or Discrimination

Federal and state law and university policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy. If you have questions, contact Equal Opportunity and Equity.

Report a concern

Last Updated: May 3, 2021