Resources for Student Parent Families
The Dean of Students Office Basic Needs Resources page provides a range of campus and community resources. Below, we have highlighted resources that have been most relevant to our student parent families at UMass Amherst.
Pregnant and Parenting Student Support
Students who are pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy related condition (such as miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, post-partum condition, etc.) have equal access to education, employment, and other university programs and activities. If you are pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy related condition, you can get support by completing an intake form with the Title IX/Equal Opportunity and Access Office. An EOA case manager will then reach out to you to discuss your rights and what support is available to you. See below for more information about your rights and how the university may be able to support you.
(source: Title IX Basics - The Pregnant Scholar)
Title IX Protection for Pregnant and Parenting Students:
Title IX makes it illegal to discriminate because of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, miscarriage, abortion, or related conditions, including recovery.
- Title IX requires schools to excuse absences for pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
- Under Title IX, a pregnant student can obtain a leave of absence from UMass Amherst for as long as it is deemed medically necessary to be absent and to resume the academic status held when the leave began.
- That may mean a few absences for necessary medical appointments, or a longer leave of absence for a high-risk pregnancy or childbirth. You do not have to drop out of your classes, program, or change your educational plans due to pregnancy, but you may be required to make up work that is missed.
- Students cannot be penalized for taking leave and must be able to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave.
- Title IX requires colleges to provide pregnant and postpartum students with changes, when needed.
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Under Title IX, schools are required to provide pregnant students, and students with related conditions (such as childbirth recovery, lactation, postpartum depression) with “reasonable academic adjustments.” Those are changes to policies, procedures, and practices to allow the student equitable access to education in light of their health needs.
- Examples of common reasonable academic adjustments include:
- A larger or different desk
- Breaks during class, labs, or exams to eat, drink, use the restroom, or pump milk
- Parking or elevator access
- Access to online classes or coursework
- Changes in schedule or course sequence
- Extensions on deadlines and rescheduling tests
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If you have any questions regarding your rights as a pregnant or parenting student, please complete an intake form with the Equal Opportunity and Access Office so that their staff can connect with you directly.
Lactation Rooms:
Breastfeeding is not limited to specific areas on campus. For those who would like more private space for breastfeeding or pumping, however, the campus has a number of specifically designated lactation rooms that can be seen on the lactation room map. If you encounter difficulty accessing campus lactation spaces or have questions about finding a space that is more convenient for you on campus, email titleixcoordinator@umass.edu.
University Health Services
UHS is the on-campus health care center of UMass Amherst, serving UMass students, faculty, and staff, and their domestic partners, spouses and dependent children. They are open 7 days a week during the academic semester, and Monday-Friday during intersession. UHS has Pediatric Services and accepts various health insurance plans, including Mass Health.
John P. Musante Health Center
JPMHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center site, providing one-stop, affordable primary medical and oral health/dental care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. For those who do not currently have health insurance, our insurance Navigators will assist with insurance enrollment prior to scheduling an appointment and becoming a patient. For more information please call: 413-835-4980.
Amherst Survival Center (ASC)
The ASC is a wonderful resource for the Amherst community – they have a variety of programs but the one that many families utilize to help stretch their budget is their food pantry – about a week’s worth of groceries every month, including diapers. You can shop in person, pick up curbside, or schedule delivery. The food is fresh and can be customized based on dietary needs - and families with small children can also request diapers. More info here.
Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)
WIC is run by the dept of agriculture and IS NOT subject to the public charge ruling — if you are pregnant and/or have a child under age 5, it can help stretch your food budget by providing some funds for nutritious foods. WIC eligibility may also automatically qualify you for other programs and resources.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is a federal nutrition program (formerly known as Food Stamps) that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase food and other benefits that help you save. Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and non-financial criteria. SNAP is not part of a public charge test. If you are not a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant, it is safe for you to apply and get SNAP for an eligible family member (like a U.S. citizen child). Once enrolled, you will receive a monthly cash benefit on an EBT card that can be used just like a debit card for food shopping.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website offers information on Food Pantries and other Meal Programs including Mobile Food Bank sites all over the region, including Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire Counties. To find resources in your area, click here.
Student Care Supply Closet
UMass Amherst has a student care supply closet where you can request many household toiletries, including diapers and wipes.
Dean of Students Office (DOSO) Financial Assistance
The Dean of Students office has two programs to combat the impact of unexpected financial emergencies on academic success. Short Term Loans: Up to $500 for undergraduates and up to $1000 for graduate students (repayment within the established due date, typically 30 days, can be extended on case-by-case basis) and Microgrants: Up to $500 for unforeseen financial emergencies once per student per academic year.
The Village Closet
The Village Closet is a donation center in Huntington, MA full of free maternity, baby, and children’s clothing; supplies; and diapers.
Fuel Assistance Program
This program from Community Action Pioneer Valley helps income-eligible participants in Franklin & Hampshire Counties afford their home heating expenses. Available to both homeowners and renters, program eligibility is determined by family size and gross annual household income.
Family Housing at UMass
University Village is a community specifically designed for UMass Amherst students with dependents - click on the heading for more information on University Village.
Accessing Affordable Textbooks
This page on the UMass Student Success website provides tips for reducing costs. Click on the heading for more information on Accessing Affordable Textbooks.
The Bridge Family Resource Center
The Bridge is a community-based, family driven program supporting families and their children ages 0-18 years old. The Bridge is one of a network of eighteen Family Resource Centers across the Commonwealth. All services are free and available to any child or family. The monthly calendar outlines available programs. Watch the Bridge overview video here.
Collaborative for Educational Service's Early Childhood Programs
The Collaborative for Educational Service's Early Childhood program offers free workshops for parents, resources and support, early literacy programs, consultations in social-emotional health and early childhood mental health, and more.
Head Start at Home (Community Action Pioneer Valley)
Head Start at Home provides weekly home visits for income-eligible expectant parents, pregnant women, and families with children birth to three. Staff provide support and information on pregnancy and child development, help families access services and resources and provide opportunities to connect with other families.
Healthy Families (Community Action Pioneer Valley)
Healthy Families is a free and confidential program that provides ongoing parenting and life support to first-time parents, who are under the age of 24 (at the time of program enrollment). Students can be pregnant (or their partner is pregnant) at time of enrollment, OR the student's child can be under 1 year old. Once enrolled, parents can receive support in the program until their child turns 3.
Round the World Women
For over 50 years, the focus of Round the World Women (RWW) is to connect international women, students, and non-students with volunteers from the greater Amherst community. This program has been an essential resource for international women and their children who accompany a spouse, partner, or family member to Amherst. RWW volunteers provide information about local customs and answer questions about life in the U.S. Together, the group visits local places of interest and meets for fun group activities while sharing encouragement and friendship.
WEBSITES
Hilltown Families: Western Mass regional family-friendly events, summer programs, classes, preschools, and children's learning activities.
Hampshire County — Family Fun: Suggestions, blog posts, and calendar.
Amherst Bulletin: Calendar of regional events for all ages.
LIBRARIES
Local libraries offer more than great books! Library services often include lending electronic and other equipment, ESL and Citizenship support, income tax information, meeting rooms, and free or discount museum passes. Libraries host events and activities too, including book clubs, art classes, and specific programming for children and youth.
Sunderland Public Library in Sunderland
Greenfield Public Library in Greenfield
Springfield City Libraries in Springfield
Clapp Memorial Library in Belchertown
Emily Williston Memorial Library in Easthampton
PARKS AND NATURE CENTERS
Springfield Parks and Recreation
All Babies Cry
Tips for comforting your crying infant (and yourself)!