We, the students, faculty, and community members of Rice University, urgently call for the expansion of comprehensive resources and accommodations for pregnant and parenting students on campus. While Rice University provides some resources through the Bright Horizons program and a few links to external childcare services, it is evident that more robust support is needed to ensure that our student-parents can succeed academically and personally.

We are inspired by the University of Houston’s extensive efforts to support pregnant and parenting students, which have set a standard for universities in Texas and across the nation. In contrast, Rice University lacks a comprehensive set of resources or formal accommodations specifically tailored for pregnant and parenting students. As a result, student-parents at Rice struggle to balance the demands of their academic and caregiving responsibilities, and many of them face barriers that hinder their ability to thrive.

Specifically, we urge Rice University to add: 

1. Comprehensive Support and Resources That Honor All Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Values 
   - Rice University should create a centralized, more easily accessible, and increasingly visible resource hub for pregnant and parenting students, much like the University of Houston’s platform, which includes important resources that the university offers to allow pregnant and parenting students to thrive during their time at Rice University. 
               - The Office of Access and Inclusion must develop a comprehensive list of resources that address the needs of student-parents, including health, legal, financial, emotional support, information about childcare, and academic accommodations. 
               - We urge Rice University to include one or more faith-based pregnancy resource centers as a resource for pregnant and parenting students in addition to resources that are already offered. Many students value holistic, spiritual care alongside practical support. Faith-based centers provide free, comprehensive services that align with their beliefs and values, including counseling, material support, and assistance in a nurturing, faith-driven environment. As an example, the University of Houston provides a spiritual center on their resource page, recognizing the importance of catering to students’ diverse needs. By including faith-based pregnancy resources, our school can ensure that all students have access to the support system that best suits their individual circumstances.
   2. Priority Registration, Academic Flexibility, and Financial Aid Accountability 
   - In line with best practices observed at leading institutions, Rice University should establish priority registration for student-parents, thereby enabling them to strategically plan their academic schedules while balancing caregiving responsibilities. This priority registration system would allow pregnant and parenting students to secure courses with flexible times, reducing scheduling conflicts and alleviating the strain of balancing academic demands with caregiving duties. To ensure transparency and awareness, this policy should be prominently communicated on the university's student resources website, alongside detailed guidance for pregnant and parenting students. This would include clear instructions on how to access priority registration, as well as resources available to support them academically.
   - Student-parents should be granted greater academic flexibility to allow them to successfully complete their degree programs. For example, provisions should be made for adjusted deadlines for assignments and exams in cases of illness or caregiving emergencies, as well as opportunities to arrange for make-up assignments or exams when necessary. Academic advisors should be trained to identify and support student-parents, ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations and guidance to navigate their coursework while managing family obligations. 
   - Pregnant and parenting students should have their financial aid packages protected, even in instances where their academic performance is temporarily yet severely negatively impacted by their caregiving responsibilities. In accordance with Title IX protections, the university must ensure that students are not penalized for their caregiving roles. The Office of Financial Aid should be proactive in informing pregnant and parenting students of their rights and protections under Title IX and the available resources to help them maintain financial aid eligibility, even in the event of academic difficulties caused by caregiving.
               - To enhance the effectiveness of these measures, the university should designate a liaison from the Office of Access and Inclusion to assist pregnant and parenting students throughout their undergraduate experience. This liaison would serve as a dedicated point of contact to advocate for the unique needs of student-parents, help them navigate university resources, and ensure that they receive the support necessary to succeed academically and financially. Regular evaluations should be made to assess the effectiveness of these policies, and student-parents should have avenues to provide feedback to ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to their needs.
   3. Childcare Accessibility, Affordability, and Housing 
   - Rice University should explore available state and federal funding options, such as the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, to subsidize childcare costs for student-parents. This program provides funding to institutions of higher education to support the cost of childcare for low-income student-parents, and its implementation at Rice would significantly ease the financial burden on student-parents, ensuring they have access to quality child care while pursuing their education.
   - We propose the creation of a comprehensive resource hub on campus that offers essential items, such as diapers, wipes, formula, and clothing, at no cost to pregnant and parenting students. Providing these basic resources would alleviate the financial strain that often comes with raising a child, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits without the added stress of sourcing these necessities. By implementing a system for accessing these resources, Rice would demonstrate a commitment to supporting the holistic needs of its diverse student body. Along these lines, we ask Rice University to put a changing table in every academic building and residential college. 
   - We request that Rice University provide designated on-campus housing options for pregnant and parenting students. These living spaces should be designed with the needs of student-parents in mind, ensuring they have access to safe, supportive, and family-friendly accommodations. Furthermore, each resident within these living spaces should be paired with a residential advisor who is specifically trained in navigating the unique challenges that come with being a pregnant or parenting student. The establishment of this program would not only promote a sense of community for student-parents but also contribute to their overall academic success by providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
   4. Reproductive Health Resources
   - Rice University should also encourage menstrual cycle education and abstinence, as both key components to understanding reproduction and family planning. Rice University, under the SAFE Office, should supply menstrual cycle education resources at the Women’s Resource Center and Student Health Center, to provide holistic reproductive health resources on campus, especially for students experiencing unhealthy menstrual cycle symptoms. This resource should be advertised during CTIS.

Why This Matters: Student-parents are an important part of our community, and it is vital that Rice University provide them with the resources and accommodations they need to succeed. Institutions that support student-parents see increased retention and graduation rates, stronger student engagement, and a more inclusive campus environment. By offering these additional, essential resources, Rice can make a meaningful difference in the lives of its pregnant and parenting students, empowering them to achieve their academic and personal goals.

We call on the administration, faculty, and leadership of Rice University to take immediate action to ensure that all pregnant and parenting students have the resources, support, and accommodations they need to thrive.

Sign this petition and share this petition with others if you believe that Rice University must do more to support pregnant and parenting students!