Pregnant & Parenting Students
Texas A&M International University strives to develop programs and establish services that support all students regardless of their unique challenges. We realize that being both a student and parenting a child(ren) has helped you develop strengths but also comes with unique challenges.
For this, TAMIU has identified a "parenting liaison" to assist students who are parents of children under 18 years or expecting. The parenting liaison will work with you and the TIX office to meet your needs. This webpage educates you on relevant policies, programs, and resources.
If you are a parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 or expecting a child, please complete the self-disclosure form. This form is your opportunity to notify TAMIU that you are parenting or a pregnant student and may need accommodation due to parenting or pregnancy-related matters.
Please note that parenting and pregnancy statuses apply to both partners. Also, a student must be officially admitted to the University before they are eligible to submit the self-disclosure form.
The liaison officer shall provide to the students information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution, including:
- Resources to access:
- medical and behavioral health coverage and services
- public benefit programs, including programs.
- related to food security, affordable housing, and housing subsidies.
- parenting and childcare resources
- employment assistance
- transportation assistance
- student academic success strategies
- any other resources developed by the institution to assist the students.
For more information please visit: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._educ._code_section_51.9356
"Parenting student" means a student enrolled at an institution of higher education who is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age.
If an institution of higher education provides early registration for courses or programs at the institution for any group of students, the institution shall provide early registration for those courses or programs for parenting students in the same manner.
Find more information please visit: https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._educ._code_section_51.983
An institution of higher education may not require a pregnant or parenting student, solely because of the student’s status as a pregnant or parenting student or due to issues related to the student's pregnancy or parenting."
- This includes withdrawing from a class, limiting the students' studies, changing major or degree program, refraining from participating in any course, activity, or program at the institution.
- An institution of higher education shall provide reasonable accommodations to a pregnant student.
An institution of higher education shall allow a pregnant or parenting student to:
- Take a leave of absence.
- Return to their program if they leave in good standing.
Find more information for:
Parenting student rights, accommodations, and resources, please contact the Parenting Liaison, Mayra Hernandez at mghernandez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2265, or visit Student Center 226.
Pregnancy related rights, accommodations, and resources, please contact the TIX Coordinator, Lorissa Cortez at lorissaM.cortez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2857, or visit Killam Library 159.
Accommodations or assistance for students with disabilities, please contact the Disability Coordinator, Karla Pedraza at karla.pedraza@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2763, or visit Student Center 124.
The Division of Student Engagement is dedicated to eliminating barriers that prevent students from fully accessing their educational opportunities. For this, we compiled resources for pregnant and parenting students.
Find more information please visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/cares/resources.shtml.
Students who are nursing or lactating may request to use a lactation space to express milk while on campus. The spaces are locked for privacy and require scheduling.
The lactation space is to only be used for the purpose of expressing and collecting breast milk. It is not intended for studying, sleeping, or any other purpose unrelated to lactation. We greatly appreciate your cooperation to ensure the space is clean and safe for lactating parents.
Academic Innovation Center Room 307A & 307C
Access to the lactation space is available by request:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Accommodations outside of this time frame may be made on a case-by-case basis.
The lactation room is equipped with a comfortable chair, small table, electrical outlet, fridge, and a sink with running water.
To request access to the lactation room, please contact Ms. Aleen Gutierrez at 956.326.2858 or aleen.gutierrez@tamiu.edu.
If you encounter any issues or concerns with the lactation space, please contact Lorissa Cortez, Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator at lorissam.cortez@tamiu.edu or 956.326.2857.
Student Health Services: Student Center 125
Access to the lactation space is by appointment, based on availability by request:
Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 1 to 4 p.m. (1st & 4th of the month)
Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Friday Summer hours: 8:30 to 11 a.m.)
The lactation space is a private room equipped with ample counter space, an electrical outlet, and a sink with soap and running water.
- Disinfecting wipes are available for use prior to and after use of space
- Student Health is not responsible for the storage or any items left behind
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Office of Student Health Services at 956.326.2235, or email studenthealth@tamiu.edu.
Student Center West Hallway (beside Student Center 231)
To gain access to the lactaction pod, click HERE for registration.
The lactation pod is spacious for a stroller, wheelchair accessible, and equipped with a seat, shelves, and outlets.
- Disinfecting wipes are available for use prior to and after use of space
- Compliance is not responsible for the storage or any items left behind
If you encounter any issues or concerns with the lactation space, please contact the Office of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance at 956.326.2855.
Lactation & Diaper Changing Locations - Map:
Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement
Student Center (STC) 226
5201 University Boulevard Laredo, Texas 78041
Email: scce@tamiu.edu
Phone: 956.326.2265
Fall Office Hours:
Monday - Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday - CLOSED