Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement

Texas A&M International University strives to develop programs and establish services that support all students regardless of their unique challenges. We realize that being both a student and parenting a child(ren) has helped you develop strengths but also comes with unique challenges.

For this, TAMIU has identified a "parenting liaison" to assist students who are parents of children under 18 years or expecting. The parenting liaison will work with you and the TIX office to meet your needs. This webpage educates you on relevant policies, programs, and resources.

If you are a parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 or expecting a child, please complete the self-disclosure form. This form is your opportunity to notify TAMIU that you are parenting or a pregnant student and may need accommodation due to parenting or pregnancy-related matters.

Please note that parenting and pregnancy statuses apply to both partners. Also, a student must be officially admitted to the University before they are eligible to submit the self-disclosure form.

Parenting Student Self-Disclosure Form

Role of Parenting Liaison

The liaison officer shall provide to the students information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution, including:

• Resources to access:
  • medical and behavioral health coverage and services
  • public benefit programs, including programs.
    • related to food security, affordable housing, and housing subsidies.
    • parenting and childcare resources
    • employment assistance
    • transportation assistance
    • student academic success strategies
    • any other resources developed by the institution to assist the students.

For more information, please visit: texas.public.law/statutes/tex._educ._code_section_51.9356

Early Registration for Parenting Students

"Parenting student" means a student enrolled at an institution of higher education who is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age.

If an institution of higher education provides early registration for courses or programs at the institution for any group of students, the institution shall provide early registration for those courses or programs for parenting students in the same manner.

Find more information, please visit: texas.public.law/statutes/tex._educ._code_section_51.983

Protection or Accommodation for Pregnant & Parenting Students

An institution of higher education 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."

• This includes withdrawing from a class, limiting the students' studies, changing major or degree program, refraining from participating in any course, activity, or program at the institution.
• An institution of higher education shall provide reasonable accommodations to a pregnant student.

An institution of higher education shall allow a pregnant or parenting student to:

• Take a leave of absence.
• Return to their program if they leave in good standing.

Find more information for:

Parenting student rights, accommodations, and resources, please contact the Parenting Liaison, Mayra Hernandez, at mghernandez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2265, or visit Student Center 226.

Pregnancy-related rights, accommodations, and resources, please contact the TIX Coordinator, Lorissa Cortez, at lorissaM.cortez@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2857, or visit Killam 159.

Accommodations or assistance for students with disabilities, please contact the Disability Coordinator, Karla Pedraza, at karla.pedraza@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2763, or visit Student Center 124.

Resources for Parenting Students

The Division of Student Engagement is dedicated to eliminating barriers that prevent students from fully accessing their educational opportunities. For this, we compiled resources for pregnant and parenting students.

For more information, please visit: tamiu.edu/cares/resources.shtml.

Lactation & Diaper Changing Locations

Students who are nursing or lactating may request to use a lactation space to express milk while on campus. The spaces are locked for privacy and require scheduling.

The lactation space is to be used only for the purpose of expressing and collecting breast milk. It is not intended for studying, sleeping, or any other purpose unrelated to lactation. We greatly appreciate your cooperation to ensure the space is clean and safe for lactating parents.

Academic Innovation Center Room 307A & 307C

Access to the lactation space is available by request:

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Accommodations outside of this time frame may be made on a case-by-case basis.

The lactation room is equipped with a comfortable chair, a small table, an electrical outlet, a fridge, and a sink with running water.

To request access to the lactation room, please contact Ms. Aleen Gutierrez at 956.326.2858 or aleen.gutierrez@tamiu.edu.

If you encounter any issues or concerns with the lactation space, please contact Lorissa Cortez, Director of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator at lorissam.cortez@tamiu.edu or 956.326.2857.

Student Health Services: Student Center 125

Access to the lactation space is by appointment, based on availability, by request:

• Monday:
  • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday:
  • 1 to 4 p.m. (1st & 4th of the month)
• Friday:
  • 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Regular Semester Hours)
  • 8:30 to 11 a.m. (Summer Hours)

The lactation space is a private room equipped with ample counter space, an electrical outlet, and a sink with soap and running water.

• Disinfecting wipes are available for use prior to and after use of the space
• Student Health is not responsible for the storage of any items left behind

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Office of Student Health Services at 956.326.2235 or email studenthealth@tamiu.edu.

Student Center West Hallway (beside Student Center 231)

To gain access to the lactation pod, register at: cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?TexasAMIntlUniv&layout_id=13.

The lactation pod is spacious for a stroller, wheelchair accessible, and equipped with a seat, shelves, and outlets.

• Disinfecting wipes are available for use prior to and after use of the space
• Compliance is not responsible for the storage of any items left behind

If you encounter any issues or concerns with the lactation space, please contact the Office of Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance at 956.326.2855.

Lactation & Diaper Changing Locations Map

Diaper Changing Stations

1st Floor Changing Stations:

• Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall (PLG)
• Bob Bullock Hall (BLK)
• Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall (CWT)
• Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall (CNS)
• Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center (LBV)
• Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (KLM)
• Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHT)

1st and 2nd Floors:

• Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (FPA)
• Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center (ZSC)
• Student Center (STC)

Family Restrooms:

• Academic Innovation Center (AIC) - 1st and 3rd Floors
• Student Center (STC) - 2nd Floor

Lactation Spaces

Academic Innovation Center (AIC)

• 307 A
• 307 C

Student Center (STC)

• 125 - 1st Floor
• West Hallway 2nd Floor (Beside STC 231