Pregnant and Parenting Students
South Central College supports pregnant and parenting students and wants you to know your rights and the resources available to you.
Your Rights Under Title IX
Title IX says schools cannot treat you differently because of sex or gender, being pregnant or a parent, or being single, married, or unmarried. Under Title IX, you can:
- Have the same access as other students to classes, programs, clubs, internships, financial aid, and scholarships.
- Take a break from your classes after you give birth for as long as your doctor says you need — usually 4–6 weeks — and return to the same classes to finish what you have left.
- Use the same services available to students with short-term health conditions.
- Stay registered in the same classes and program; no one can force you to change classes or program because of pregnancy.
- Receive a prompt response to any report of harassment connected to a pregnancy-related condition.
Request Support for Pregnancy
Students who are pregnant may need to take leave from classes to give birth and care for their baby or need modifications in class while pregnant such as a larger chair. To discuss a plan for completing courses or request support, contact Kelly Karstad, Director of the Academic Support Center, kelly.karstad@southcentral.edu, 507-389-7339 or schedule an appointment with Kelly.
She may ask you to provide documentation of the pregnancy-related condition causing the need for modification.
Lactation Spaces
Breastfeeding is a pregnancy-related condition protected under Title IX. Staff and students can use these rooms:
North Mankato
Room E135B - N. Mankato Campus Map
Faribault
Room B109 - Faribault Campus Map
Parenting-Student Resources
There are local resources to help with the cost of childcare and other parenting needs. See Child Care Assistance and Community Resources.
Parent Navigator
Parent Navigators help pregnant and parenting students connect with resources such as childcare, food assistance, and housing assistance. They are also confidential resources — what you share with them is not automatically reported to the Title IX Coordinator.
Jesse Spencer
Social Worker — North Mankato
Confidential Resource
One Stop, Room B100
Candace Ballstadt
Social Worker — Faribault
Confidential Resource
Student Affairs Center
Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Judy Endres, Vice President of Student Affairs & Title IX Coordinator — judy.endres@southcentral.edu, 507-389-7351.
Disability Accommodations
Pregnancy-related Title IX modifications and disability accommodations are related but distinct processes. If you have a disability separate from or in addition to a pregnancy-related condition, contact Disability Services.
Campus and Community Resources
- Child Care Assistance and Community Resources
- SCC Social Workers (see Parent Navigator contacts above)