Pregnant & Parenting Students
Pregnant and Parenting Students Policy
National University understands that being a student with dependents (pregnant and parenting students) is an important facet of who you are, and we at the University and the Office of Institutional Equity wants you to have as much help as possible to ensure that your time with NU is a success.
National research indicates that 26% of all undergraduate students have dependents. On average, student parents earn higher grade point averages, yet their retention rates are significantly lower than other students (52% of student parents drop out within six years of enrolling, compared to 32% of non-parents).
Our goal here at NU is to ensure that all student parents have the support and resources they need to overcome challenges in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. We encourage you to use this resource page to find community and campus resources available to you.
National University is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sex discrimination, which can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status, is prohibited and illegal in admissions, educational programs and activities, hiring, leave policies, employment policies, and health insurance coverage. National University has established a policy and procedures for ensuring the protection and equal treatment of pregnant persons, individuals with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents. To read the policy in its entirety, please see the information below. If you would like to register with the Office of Institutional Equity, please click the Adjustment Request to start the process, even if adjustments are not needed at the present time.
Protections for Pregnant Students
National University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, parenting, and all related conditions, including false pregnancy and loss of pregnancy. Pregnant and parenting students have the right to continue their education, and National University is committed to the success of our pregnant and parenting students. As a pregnant or parenting student, you have the right to an equal education. You have the right to participate and to have your pregnancy-related absences excused, as well as adjustments for:
- Excusing medically necessary absences
- Changed assignment or exam deadlines
- Ability to sit rather than stand in labs, bigger desks, seats near the door, and breaks for nursing, snacks (to control nausea), and bathroom use
- Distance learning for students on bedrest or during recovery
All adjustments are available for both on-campus, in person and online, asynchronous courses.
The Office of Institutional Equity is here to help you navigate your rights. To review NU’s Pregnancy & Parenting Policy or to register with our office, please click either the Pregnancy and Parenting Student Policy or Adjustment Request links below.
Balancing Parenthood and Education
National University Resources
Student Wellness: At National University, we believe holistic wellness is integral to student learning and success. Wellness is a practice that’s cultivated over time. Our Student Wellness staff can help you on campus or online with a variety of issues:
- Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Housing, financial, and food insecurities
- Financial wellness and budgeting
- Solutions-focused and options counseling
- Referrals to University and community resources
Mental Health services: Current students at NU can connect with a mental health professional 24/7 through TimelyCare’s “Talk Now” feature. Connect by entering your student email address at www.timelycare.com/nationaluniversity or download the TimelyCare app from your App Store.
Lactation Rooms
A Lactation Room is provided for employees and students at each campus. Please see the Lactation Room number below for each campus.
| Campus Location | Room # |
|---|---|
| Carroll Canyon | Conference Room#121 |
| Rancho Bernardo | Conference Room #115 |
| Spectrum | Conference Room #121 |
| Chula Vista | Room #218 |
| Pleasant Hill | Room #260 |
| South Bay | Room #104 |
| Los Angeles Campus | Room #407 |
| Library: Healthy Learning Center | Room #155 |
Community Resources
California:
- CalWorks & CARE
- The CalWORKs Program stands for “California Work Opportunities & Responsibility to Kids”, and the purpose of CalWORKs is to provide equitable access to the services, resources and opportunities families need to increase resilience, achieve economic mobility, and break the cycle of poverty. CalWORKs may be able to help with housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses. CalWORKS can also provide free full-time childcare to income-eligible participants. Click here to learn more about the program and benefits.
- The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program was established to help EOPS students who are single parents, receiving cash-aid from CalWORKs or Tribal TANF. The CARE program is designed to help break the welfare cycle by offering additional support to students who want to receive college-level career training or complete specific educational programs. Services may include: meal cards, gas cards, child care assistance, school supplies, educational grants, book grants
- In addition, CARE, the California Alternate Rate for Energy program can provide a discount on monthly energy bill. CARE eligibility is based on the number of individuals in the household and total gross household income. You may also qualify for CARE if you participate in certain qualifying public assistance programs. Click here to learn more.
- The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program helps families by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and other community services. WIC serves infants and children up to age 5 and people who are pregnant or have given birth or experienced pregnancy loss. Partners, grandparents, foster parents of young children and working families are welcome at WIC too! Click here to learn more.
- CalFresh is a food & nutrition program that provides money for those who qualify to buy their groceries monthly. Many students are eligible and could be getting money for food. We can help by pre-screening your eligibility & showing you the whole process. Click here to learn more.
Tax Credit Information
- The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed if you work and have a low income. If you have a child under the age of 6, in addition to qualifying for CalEITC, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). Filing your state tax return is required to claim both of these credits.
National Resources
- Find your local food bank, click here.
- Family Support Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway
- Financial Assistance for Families, ChildCare.gov
- Family Support, National Family Support Network