Information for Pregnant and Parenting Students

What does the term “Parenting Students” mean? A parenting student is a student enrolled at an institution of higher education who is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years old.

During the 88th Texas Legislature and 117th Congressional Session, several House and Senate Bills relating to higher education in Texas passed and were signed by the Governor between May 2023-June 2023. Below is a breakdown of the bills related to pregnant and parenting students in higher education:

  • TEXAS HOUSE BILL 1361 – Assistance Liaison for Parenting Students
    Relating to designation of liaison officers to assist certain students who are parents.

    Summary: Requires all public institutions of higher education to designate at least one employee to act as liaison officer for current or incoming students who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age. Liaison officer provides assistance to resources for parenting students.
Effective June 12, 2023. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=HB1361
  • TEXAS SENATE BILL 412 – Parenting Discrimination Policy
    Relating to protections for pregnant and parenting students enrolled in public institutions of higher education.
Summary: An institution of higher education may not require a pregnant or parenting student to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the student’s degree or certificate program, limit their studies, participate in an alternative program, change the student’s major, degree, or certificate programs, or refrain from joining or cease participating in any course or activity. Also adds requirements on the institution to provide specific accommodations to pregnant and parenting students.
Effective September 1, 2023. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB412
  • TEXAS SENATE BILL 459 – Priority Registration for Parenting Students
    Relating to early registration for parenting students at public institutions of higher education.

    Summary: Grants parenting students access to course registration prior to the general student population so they can ensure that their class schedule aligns with the hours they have access to childcare. Begins with the registration for Spring 2024 semester.
Effective September 1, 2023. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB459

 

Services and Resources for Pregnant and Parenting Students at Navarro College

Navarro College is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students.
 
SERVICES AT NAVARRO COLLEGE
Our services are dedicated to eliminating barriers that prevent pregnant and parenting students from fully accessing their educational opportunities. If you are a current or incoming student who is the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 years of age, we can connect you to these supportive measures including:

 

  • Pre-Registration: Access to early course registration before the general population to ensure that your class schedule aligns with the hours to childcare.
  • Educational Support: Reasonable accommodations to a pregnant or parenting student.
  • Resources: Provide assistance to on-campus and community resources such as healthcare, childcare, food security, affordable housing, employment, transportation, and student academic success strategies.

 

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR PARENTING STUDENTS
Under Texas Senate Bill 459 which took effect on September 1, 2023, institutions providing early registration for any student populations shall provide early registration for parenting students in the same manner.
 
Navarro College students are asked to self-certify by completing the Parenting Certification form.
BEGIN PARENTING CERTIFICATION FORM *

*Requires Single Sign-On (SSO) Credentials

 

CONTACT YOUR LIAISON OFFICER
Students who have questions about pregnancy and parenting student services are encouraged to contact the Pregnancy and Parenting Liaison Officer at (903) 875-7382 and email to the Pregnancy and Parenting Liaison Officer.
 
STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Navarro College provides all student and administrative services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are provided without regard to sex, sexual orientation, color, race, national origin, age, and handicap. With this in mind, a student grievance may encompass any dissatisfaction, complaint, or perceived injustice a person may have while associated with the College, as a current, prospective, or past student. See Navarro College Board Policy and Administrative Procedures Section FKC.1 for additional information on student grievance procedures.

 

FORMAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE OUTSIDE NAVARRO COLLEGE
A student may file a formal complaint to the Office for Civil Rights – Dallas Office – U.S. Department of Education; 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, Texas 75201-6810; Telephone 214-661-9600; Fax 214-661-9587; TDD 800-877-8339; Email: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Navarro College Administrative Procedure SECTION FFC.4: Read the Navarro College Board Policy & Administrative Procedures regarding pregnant and parenting students on campus.
 
Know Your Rights: Read the U.S. Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights’ summary of your rights as a pregnant or parenting student.

 

Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students: Read the U.S. Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights’ pamphlet about Title IX requirements regarding pregnant or parenting students.