Pregnancy and Parenting Services
Mission Statement
The Parenting Services mission is to offer meaningful support to pregnant and parenting students by addressing their unique challenges, therefore allowing them the greatest opportunity to complete their degree program in a timely manner and ultimately provide for themselves and their children.
This support extends to both mothers and fathers, biological and adoptive. If you believe you may qualify for parenting services, email studentparents@blinn.edu for more information.
Request Parenting Services
STEP 1:
Complete the online Parenting Services intake packet. Be sure to provide documentation such as the child’s birth certificate, a doctor’s note, or a copy of a certified court order.
Parenting Students Intake Form
STEP 2:
Schedule an appointment with the student parent liaison.
STEP 3:
Parenting Services will issue a letter with instructions, which will be emailed to the student’s BUC email account. The student's Blinn email may be accessed through the myBLINN portal. Students are responsible for providing letters to faculty.
STEP 4:
To renew services, students should complete the renewal parenting form for each semester they are enrolled.
Parenting Students Renewal Form
Students requesting parenting services will be notified by email once the intake and documentation have been reviewed. Please check your student Blinn email for a response. If a student has not heard back from Parenting Services within three weeks of submitting the intake form, please contact the liaison.
General Information
House Bill 1361, Senate Bill 412, Senate Bill 459, and Title IX lay out student rights and anti-discrimination guidelines for pregnant and parenting students. These laws state that each college or university should:
- Designate a liaison officer to assist with student success efforts
- Offer resources and support services
- Provide reasonable accommodations
- Allow pregnant or parenting students to take a leave of absence while remaining in good standing without being required to reapply for admission
- Provide opportunity for early registration
A college or university cannot, due to issues related to pregnancy or parenting:
- Require a student to take a leave of absence or withdraw
- Require a student to limit studies or activities
- Require a student to change their major or degree program
Please visit the Title IX page for concerns related to Title IX or to complete the reporting form.
Reasonable adjustments vary for each individual student based on their unique needs and challenges, but some adjustments a pregnant or parenting student may receive include:
- Access to instructional materials and recordings of lectures
- Accessible seating
- Frequent restroom breaks
- Ability to have food or drink in the classroom
- Priority registration, when applicable, requires that a student's file be complete at least one week before the registration opening date. Being file-complete means all required documents and forms must be submitted and processed by the deadline to ensure access to priority registration.
- Allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from substances, areas, and activities known to be hazardous to pregnant women or unborn children
- Excused absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a resulting medical condition when deemed medically necessary by a health professional
A variety of community resources are also available. Download this referral handout for information about resources offered at Blinn College and community agencies.
Start by submitting an online intake form. Be sure to provide documentation such as the child’s birth certificate, a doctor’s note, or a copy of a certified court order. Once the intake and documentation are submitted, Parenting Services will contact the student to schedule an intake appointment. During this appointment, the liaison and student will discuss the student’s needs and available resources. Special adjustments will be provided on a case-by-case basis according to the unique circumstances of each student.
A pregnant or parenting student is allowed to take a leave of absence. If you believe you may need to take a leave of absence, please contact the liaison to discuss this option.
Blinn College is pleased to provide multiple clean, private lactation spaces for mothers to pump, nurse, or otherwise care for their child's needs. These rooms are located at:
- Brenham Campus - Bullock, Room 118
- Brenham Campus - STEI Building, Room 218
- Bryan Campus - Modular Building B, Room 110
- Bryan Campus - Administration Building, Room 171
- Post Office Center - Room CC-33
- RELLIS Campus - Administration Building, Room 243
- RELLIS Campus - Schwartz Building, Room 457
- Schulenberg Campus - Room 101-04
- Sealy Campus - Faculty Office, Room 106
Yes. Each semester, parenting services will re-evaluate the adjustments based on the student's stage of pregnancy or parenting. Students may not receive the same adjustments during their time at Blinn. The nature of the situation will impact the types of support needed. Students can request to renew services by clicking here.
Students experiencing normal pregnancies typically need “reasonable adjustments” and would go through Parenting Services. Students experiencing complications related to pregnancy may qualify for academic accommodations coordinated by The Office of Disability Services and Counseling if the complication(s) qualify as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 were designed to ensure that colleges and universities are free from discrimination in their recruitment, admission, and treatment of students. Please visit the Disability Services Office website for more information.
Accommodations provided by The Office of Disability Services and Counseling is entirely dependent upon the documentation with a clearly stated diagnosis and varies from student to student.
Reasonable adjustments for parenting students will vary based on student needs. Adjustments may include a larger desk, bathroom breaks, access to food/water during exams or extended time for exams. Keep in mind, every situation is unique, and adjustments may change throughout the student's tenure at the college.
If students are unsure of which department to contact, we recommend students contact either office to discuss their situation.
Alexis Baker
Student Parent Liaison
979-209-7251
studentparents@blinn.edu