If you’re pregnant while enrolled at UH Mānoa, you deserve support, clear information, and options. This page shares campus/community resources, Title IX protections, and planning tools for finishing the semester and returning to school after childbirth.
On this page:
Title IX protections
Title IX is a federal gender non-discrimination law that helps protect pregnant and parenting students in education. If you need pregnancy-related accommodations, you have rights and support options.
Your Rights With Title IX (gender non-discrimination in education)
- Your absences must be excused for as long as your doctor says is necessary.
- Individual faculty cannot establish attendance rules that conflict with federal law.
- Be proactive: discuss and plan ahead with your faculty for a successful semester.
- Keep notes (including emails and text messages) about pregnancy-related absences, or any instances of harassment. Report any problems ASAP to UH Mānoa’s Title IX Coordinator office or Teresa Bill.
- If you need assistance discussing your absences with faculty, contact SP@M Teresa Bill at (808) 956-9313 or gotkids@hawaii.edu, or UH Mānoa’s Title IX Coordinator office at (808) 956-2299 or t9uhm@hawaii.edu.
- Download this PDF, “Pregnant & Parenting College & Grad Studentsʻ Rights: FAQ for College Students” for more info.
Download the PDF, “Pregnant & Parenting College Studentsʻ Rights: FAQ for College Students” for more information. You can also explore The Pregnant Scholar for Title IX and pregnancy accommodations.
Download FAQ (PDF) →
Visit The Pregnant Scholar →
Support & Options
If you become pregnant while you are enrolled, the University Women’s Health Clinic and local Planned Parenthood Clinic & Womenʻs Options Center offer pregnancy testing and non-judgmental supportive counseling to assist with decision-making.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies offers a full range of reproductive healthcare including same day birth control and reproductive counseling. Learn More | Open Link
See also The Hawaii Abortion Collectiveʻs Guide Download the guide (PDF) →
Planning help from SP@M
If you continue your pregnancy, decisions about finishing the semester and returning to school after childbirth require planning. Each woman’s circumstances are unique. Contact SP@M (gotkids@hawaii.edu) to connect with our Title IX Pregnancy Advocate. We can assist you with planning and communicating with faculty about modifications needed to continue your education.
Safety support
Pregnancy can be an especially dangerous time for women in abusive relationships. Violence can often begin or escalate during pregnancy. If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, please contact PAU Violence (uhmpau@hawaii.edu) or the Domestic Violence Action Center ((808) 531-3771).
Enrolled & Expecting Guide
The Enrolled & Expecting guide offers general advice, resources, and strategies for navigating college during pregnancy and returning as a student parent at UH Mānoa
Pregnant? Checklist of steps to take:
- Seek appropriate prenatal care, including WIC. Healthy Babies Healthy Mothers Coalition of Hawaiʻi offers many supports for pregnant and post-partum women, including useful telehealth options.
- Get appropriate health insurance. Pregnant women within income limits may be eligible for QUEST. (Add link to eligibility and online application.)
- Make any necessary school arrangements (extensions, withdrawals, leave of absence, etc.).
- Seek support from counseling services if necessary.
- Consider applying for public assistance (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) is available in 9th month).
- Consider childcare options (including childcare subsidies) and sign up/apply early (before baby is due).
- Decide when you would like to return to school and at what capacity.
- Consider the options UH offers (e.g., online/night classes in addition to day-time classes).
Pregnant & Finishing the Semester
Sharing your pregnancy status with faculty is a personal decision. However, communication with faculty is important when any medical or family situation could impact your class attendance or coursework completion.
If your pregnancy impacts your ability to attend or complete classes, discuss this with your doctor and then your faculty to make arrangements. Many women continue with their full schedules while pregnant, but everyone must evaluate their own situation—and situations can change.
Pregnancy is tiring. You may want to find a quiet place to rest during the day. Ask your department if there is a student lounge available for use. The Women’s Center is a safe and comfortable space on campus located in QLCSS #211. Having a child and taking a leave of absence
If your delivery date or another pregnancy-related issue interferes with your ability to finish the semester, communicate with faculty early. You may be able to request an Incomplete grade and finish coursework later. If you decide to take time off after delivery, make a plan to return later.
How to Get a “Leave of Absence”
In order to leave school and return without having to re-apply, you need a “Leave of Absence.” Leaves of absence are processed through your College and require the signature of the College’s Academic Services Dean. If you are in good academic standing (cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher), you are eligible for a total of two semesters (or one academic year) of leave during your undergraduate study.
Advising Contacts
- Mānoa Advising Center (MAC) supports exploratory (undeclared) students. Visit MAC. For advising offices by College/School, use the Directory of Undergraduate Advisors.
- Advising Center for the College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL): schedule by phone at (808) 956-8755 or email advising@hawaii.edu. CALL contact info
- Graduate students: petition for leave through the Graduate Student Services Office (Graduate Division). Start here: Leave of Absence (Graduate Division). Form: Petition for Leave of Absence (PDF). More forms: Graduate Division Forms
Timing
Submit your signed form to your College/School Departmental Office prior to the “First day of instruction” in the intended semester of leave, or at the time of a complete withdrawal (if mid-semester). Schedule an appointment with an academic counselor as soon as possible.
Withdrawing from classes
- To completely withdraw prior to the first day of instruction, you may drop all courses online via MyUH. To drop in person, visit Records (QLCSS #010) and submit a “Cancellation of Registration.” Phone: (808) 956-8010.
- To completely withdraw after the semester begins, obtain a “Complete Withdrawal Form” from your College Student Academic Services office. All complete withdrawals after the semester begins must be done in person.
- Financial aid recipients must also contact the Financial Aid Office. Check the Academic Calendar for withdrawal deadlines.
Financial Aid & Pell Grant
To understand how a withdrawal impacts financial aid, speak to a financial aid officer before processing a withdrawal. Financial Aid Office: (808) 956-7251 • QLC #112. More Information Here
Note: Your financial aid package is based on enrollment. If your schedule drops below full-time, your financial aid award may be adjusted accordingly.
Online Classes & Flexible Options
Distance learning (online classes) may be a convenient option for continuing school. UH Mānoa students can register for online courses offered across the UH system. View current options here: Online Course Listings (UH Online).
Always consult with Financial Aid
If you are taking classes at another UH campus (concurrent enrollment), undergraduates must take a minimum of 6 applicable UH Mānoa credits to remain eligible for financial aid. You may also need to submit a UH System Concurrent Enrollment Form.
How to register for online classes
- Log in to the MyUH Portal and start the same process you would use to add a class at UH Mānoa.
- Select the alternative UH campus where the online course is offered.
- Add the course and confirm your enrollment.
UH Mānoa Undergraduate Admissions: (808) 956-8975
Note: Registration policies and procedures vary by campus. Tuition rules may differ, and not all courses may transfer to your program.
Outreach College (Evenings / Weekends)
Outreach College offers UH Mānoa credit courses in the evenings and on weekends. Outreach/extension tuition is typically billed separately from regular UH Mānoa tuition, so confirm costs and eligibility with Financial Aid.
Outreach College: (808) 956-7221 • Outreach College website
Lactation Spaces (UH Mānoa)
Student parents needing a clean and comfortable space to express milk are welcome to use the designated lactation spaces listed below.
| Location | What it helps with | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Lactation spaces on campus (UH Mānoa) | ||
| Gartley Hall Lactorium (GH 202) | Clean, private space for expressing milk. Phone: (808) 956-7182 Email: sswadmit@hawaii.edu Hours: 8:30am–3:00pm HST | Open → |
| Hamilton Library Lactation Space (HL 203) | Clean, private space for expressing milk. Reservation may be required. | Open → |
| Women’s Center Lactation Space (QLCSS #211) | Clean, private space for expressing milk. Phone: (808) 956-8059 Email: gotkids@hawaii.edu | Open → |
Reserve (Hamilton Library) • Campus Map Campus Map Link: Type “Lactation Stations”
Note: Hours and access procedures can change—calling ahead is recommended.
Other Resources
| Resource | What it helps with | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) — Coalition of Hawaiʻi | ||
| Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) | Access to resources and information before, during, and after pregnancy. Workshops (sliding fee scale), a helpful directory and pregnancy guide, a free MothersCare Phone Line, and Text4Baby service. | Open → |
| Title IX & pregnancy accommodations | ||
| The Pregnant Scholar | Online toolkit for university students, faculty, and administrators on pregnancy and parenting accommodations. | Open → |
Need help figuring out which supports match your situation? Email SP@M at gotkids@hawaii.edu.