Pregnancy and Parent Support

Sul Ross State University’s “Anti-Discrimination Policy for Pregnant and Parenting Students” prohibits the discrimination of students who are pregnant and/or parenting in accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.982 and other applicable policies and laws. Any student may report discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or parenting status to the Title IX Coordinator via the reporting form, by emailing titleix@sulross.edu, or by calling 432-837-8262.

In accordance with Title IX, pregnant and parenting students are eligible to receive support and resources. This may include supportive measures, medically necessary periods of leave, and leaves of absence. To learn more about support and resources for pregnant and parenting students, you can contact Sul Ross State University’s Counseling and Accessibility Services by emailing counseling@sulross.edu or calling (432) 837-8203. The Counseling Office and Title IX Office work together to provide support and resources to pregnant and parenting Sul Ross students.

Under Title IX, faculty and staff at Sul Ross State University 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, to:

• take a leave of absence or withdraw from the student’s degree or certificate program;
• limit the student’s studies;
• participate in an alternative program;
• change the student’s major, degree, or certificate program; or
• refrain from joining or cease participating in any course, activity, or program at the institution.

Leaves of absence, on a voluntary basis, for pregnant and parenting students can also be facilitated. A pregnant or parenting student may undertake a leave of absence and, if in good academic standing at the start of the leave of absence, return to the student’s degree or certificate program in good academic standing without being required to reapply for admission.

Medically necessary leave may be provided due to the following circumstances:

• Pregnancy-related conditions that require leave or academic modifications.
• Medical recovery in the immediate postpartum period
• Child caretaking and parenting responsibilities in the immediate postpartum period

Contact us to learn more.

Sul Ross’s Liaison Officers for Parenting and Expecting Students:

• Mary Schwartze Grisham M.Ed., LPC
• Internal Family Systems Informed Therapist
• Director of Counseling & Accessibility Services
• mschwartze@sulross.edu

• Ronnie Harris M.Ed., LPC
• Counselor
• ronnie.harris@sulross.edu

Sul Ross’s Title IX Coordinator:

• Katrina Cano
• Compliance Assessment Officer
• University Center Room 212
• Alpine, Texas 79832
• (432) 837 – 8262
• titleix@sulross.edu