UWM Student Parents

Resources for Student Parents

UWM Lactation Program and Lactation Rooms

  • The WRC oversees the lactation room in the Union (WG26). This lactation room is locked when not in use and can be accessed by stopping by the WRC (during office hours) or the Union Info Desk outside of WRC office hours. For more information about the Union Lactation Room, feel free to email us (wmncntr@uwm.edu)
  • Learn more about the UWM Lactation Program for a map of other lactation rooms on campus.

Children’s Learning Center 

The Children’s Learning Center is committed to supporting children and their parents by using theory-based care and learning practices. Through playing, interacting and communicating, the UWM Children’s Learning Center is committed to the growth of each child in all aspects of their life. We believe in not only providing education, but also providing a supportive and safe place for your family to grow socially and emotionally.

Student Parent Success Program

UWM’s Student Parent Success Program is a centralized, multi-purpose campus resource where UWM students with children can seek advice, develop leadership skills, learn parenting best practices, and build connects with other student parents. The Student Parent Success Program is open to all UWM students with children, including undergraduate, graduate, and international student parents. Our mission is to provide under-served UWM students with children holistic support, designed to empower parents and improve their families’ overall economic and social success.

 

Family Friendly Events

Family Bowling

Due to COVID, Family Bowling has been cancelled for the Fall semester. Check back in the spring for new dates and more information!

Student Parent Advocacy Committee

The Student Parent Advocacy Committee (SPAC) is looking for new members to join our wonderful student organization. The SPAC focus on creating a community for student parents and advocating to make campus more student parent friendly. Join us in spreading awareness and creating fun inclusive activities for families. If you want a way to get involved on campus in a way that also supports your family, we’d love to have you be a part of our amazing group of students!
If you are interested in going SPAC please email SPACatUWM@gamil.com or john3265@uwm.edu

 

Title XI Rights for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX Rights for Pregnant and Parenting Students Infographic

Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects you from Discrimination at School.

Title IX is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination of the basis of sex–including pregnancy and parental status–in educational programs and activities.

Information below is from the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Civil Rights. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.pdf

Here are some things you should know about your rights:

Classes and School Activities

  • You have the right to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities even though you are pregnant.
  • You are not required to submit a doctors note unless stated otherwise by your school or institution.
  • You have the right to be provided with reasonable adjustments and accommodations when necessary because of your pregnancy

Excused Absences and Medical Leave

  • Absences are excused due to pregnancy or childbirth as long as your medical provider says it’s necessary.
  • You should be provided with an opportunity to make up any work missed while you were out.
  • An instructor may not refuse to allow you to submit work after a deadline you missed because of pregnancy or childbirth. This goes for participation or attendance credits you didn’t have a chance to earn, as well.
  • Pregnant students are to receive the same special services as other students with temporary medical conditions.
  • While pregnancy itself isn’t a disability, some pregnancy-related-conditions–like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia may qualify as disabilities. Students experiencing these conditions can contact the UWM Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) for assistance.

Helpful Tips for Pregnant and Parenting Students

  • Ask for help–meet with the Title IX Coordinator or other university staff regarding what can be done to support you in continuing your education.
  • Keep notes about your pregnancy-related absences, any instances of harassment and your interactions with school officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report problems to the Title IX Coordinator, and/or other university staff you feel comfortable with.

UWM Campus Resources and Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students

  • UWM Title IX Office
  • The Student Parent Success Program
  • UWM Women’s Resource Center
  • UWM Lactation Rooms
  • UWM Children’s Learning Center

Supporting Student Parents During COVID-19

UWM is home to over 1,300 student parents! Student parents on UWM’S campus face unique barriers and challenges, but most have ample resiliency, substantial coping mechanisms, and an impressive reservoir of creative time management skills. In short, these students are exceptionally talented and are on their way to becoming valuable leaders in our community!  

As we prepare for a truly unique semester of mostly virtual learning and programming, we thought it was important to share some tips on how to support student parents during COVID-19. Attached to this email you will find a document including tips on supporting student parents as well as additional resources for student parents. Please share with those who you think could benefit from this information.  

10 Tips to Support Student Parents During COVID-19  

  1. Empathy: Student parents are likely working, parenting and helping their children from home, all while completing their coursework. This is a lot for anyone to manage. Remember to be empathetic about their unique circumstances.  
  1. Flexibility: Consider offering more than one option for office hours and other important meetings with student parents.  
  1. Resources: Be knowledgeable about campus resources for student parents. 
  1. Accommodation: Parents are attending school online with their child(ren) at home. It may not be feasible for a student parent to have their camera on while in class.  
  1. Priority: Their children come first, before anything else.  
  1. Encouragement: Sending words of support can go a long way.  
  1. Adaptation: Student parents are juggling a lot of tasks and things may not remain consistent during these uncertain times.  
  1. Checking- in: Reminding students that you are part of their support system and available if they need you.  
  1. Compromise: Student parents have different hours of availability than traditional students and may need flexibility to complete their coursework.   
  1. Acknowledge: Understanding they are students with children, and that you are aware of the difficulties they might face 

 

Additional Resources for Student Parents 

https://uwm.edu/global-inclusion/lifeimpact/ 

https://uwm.edu/womensresourcecenter/ 

https://uwm.edu/children/ 

https://uwm.edu/hr/lactation-rooms/ 

supporting student parents during COVID-19