Washington University is committed to the success of all students, including those who are pregnant and recently pregnant. Polices are in place to guarantee that you have access to your classrooms during your pregnancy, and that you are able to return to the same academic status after childbirth.
If you have questions about any of these policies, need assistance after requesting accommodations from your program (see contacts at the bottom of this page), or would like to make a complaint of unfair treatment, please contact Title IX Coordinator Jessica Kennedy at jwkennedy@wustl.edu or 314-935-3118.
Graduate and Professional Students (Danforth Campus)
Policies and procedures within The Graduate School
Full-time graduate students in Arts & Sciences, including PhD students in engineering, business and social work, may request a new child leave to assume care for a new child. They should maintain full-time student status. Students on new child leave are not expected to participate in mentored teaching or research experience for up to 60 calendar days while they receive their current stipend support. Additional time off without receiving a stipend for up to a full semester will ordinarily be granted by the Graduate School if approved by the student’s department.
New child leave does not affect the student’s full-time status and will not appear on the student’s transcript. New child leave must be taken within the first year after the child’s birth or adoption. Students should contact their department to request a new child leave.
Students who receive support from external agencies should consult the policies and guidelines of the sponsor.
Enrollment Status
- Full-time enrollment
Course Code
- Any full-time graduate registration
Procedures
- Academic & funding clock does not stop
- Student notifies their department and department submits form to the Graduate School
- Student does not participate in research or teaching activities while on new child leave
Student Considerations
- Provides 60 calendar days of paid leave
- Students maintain health insurance
Note
- Benefits and funding support will vary by school. Please refer to the policies of your home department.
- All international students should consult with the Office of International Students & Scholars before applying for a leave of absence to determine how it may impact their visa status.
Parking
Please contact the Title IX Office to request parking accommodations if medically necessary, including a temporary permit for accessible spaces. Learn more about accessible parking on campus.
Lactation Rooms
Lactation rooms are available on the Danforth and Medical campuses. See locations for Danforth Campus lactation rooms and Medical Campus lactation rooms.
Community Resources
See resources from the National Women’s Law Center.
Title IX Information about Pregnancy and Post-Pregnancy
- Know Your Rights
- Dear Colleague Letter: Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students (PDF)
- Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
- Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions: A Resource for Students and Schools
For Information Related to Specific Programs
The following individuals will be able to direct students to specific information and resources for their programs:
Undergraduate
Arts & Sciences: Dirk Killen (dkillen@wustl.edu)
Engineering: Lisa Gillis-Davis (lisag@wustl.edu)
Olin: Paige LaRose (plarose@wustl.edu)
Sam Fox: Joseph Fitzpatrick (josephf@wustl.edu)
Graduate/Professional
Arts & Sciences, Grad: Andy Wiegert (awiegert@wustl.edu)
Law School: Elizabeth Walsh (ewalsh@wustl.edu)
Brown School: Jennifer Harpring (jharpring@wustl.edu) and Angela Hobson (hobsona@wustl.edu)
Olin: Andrew Knight (knightap@wustl.edu)
Engineering: Cathy Freesmeier (cathy_freesmeier@wustl.edu)
Medicine: Lisa Moscoso (lisamoscoso@wustl.edu)
- DBBS: Steve Mennerick (menneris@wustl.edu)
- OT: Shannon Eckhoff (eckhoffs@wustl.edu)
- PT: Sarah Rands (rands@wustl.edu)
- Audiology: Beth Elliott (elliottb@wustl.edu)