Pregnant or Parenting College Students
College students responsible for the care of a dependent child(ren) are an increasing student population, changing the traditional landscape. In fact according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research as many as 1 in 5 (nearly 22% of undergrad population) college going students identify as a student parent. Student parents have increased responsibility as they are not only navigating the rigors of the academy while parenting, but also simultaneously working and taking care of household responsibilities. The CWGE recognizes that this particular group of students may benefit from support services that considers both their role as parent and as student without prioritizing one above the other.
The Center for Women and Gender Equity is committed to providing resources and support for student parents. If you or someone you know is pregnant or parenting visit the Center for Women and Gender Equity in KC 1201, to get connected with the student parent advocate. Support includes, assistance seeking child care, pregnancy test, applying for child care subsidy through MDHHS and how to access reasonable accommodations needed in the classroom during pregnancy for example.
Student Parent Friendly Classroom
Helpful language proposed for departments or faculty to use when working/supporting college student parents at GVSU:
If you are a student parent (responsible for the care and wellbeing of a dependent child), please note that I support student parents and take parenting issues into account. Please come to see me or send me an email to learn more about on-campus resources, including champions that wish to encourage your academic success. While student parent support is available for all GVSU students who are pregnant and/or parenting, no student is required to participate or disclose information regarding familial status.
On-Campus Resources
Children's Enrichment Center
GVSU's Children's Enrichment Center provides early education and care for GVSU students, faculty, staff, and the community at large.
Adult Learners and Students with Children
This department is dedicated to providing support to untraditional students at GVSU. Join the annual celebration that recognizes Adult Students each November. This year plan on November 7th - 11th.
Room for Nursing Mothers/Nursing Nests
GVSU is striving to make it easier for nursing mothers to maintain breastfeeding after returning to work or school by providing private and comfortable "nursing nests."
Baby Changing Stations:
Changing stations are located in various restrooms across campus. Baby changing stations have been added to restrooms in the following locations: Commons, Fieldhouse, Kirkhof Center, Lake Ontario Hall, Mackinac Hall, Niemeyer Honors College, and Performing Arts Center. This has been done to serve our faculty, staff, students and community members that may have children on campus during working hours or for events.
Replenish
Balancing work, school and a family can be challenging. Replenish is located in room 0074 Kirkhof Center and is available to GVSU students.
Parenting Network
Provides an opportunity to meet with other GVSU Moms around interesting topics of discussion to both young moms and more experienced moms. Students, faculty and staff are all welcome.
Agencies in the Community
Family Futures
Family Futures is an non-profit organization in Grand Rapids that supports families through parent coaching, education, and prevention-based programming. Kent County Health Department Pregnant & Parenting Resources has a number of resources available for individuals who are pregnant and parenting.
MomsBloom
MomsBloom is a non-profit organization in Grand Rapids that assists parents by matching volunteers with families with young children to offer support and offset the challenges of early motherhood. Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a national organization with offices in Grand Rapids and around the state that offers reproductive health care, education, and advocacy.
Accessible, Restroom and Wellness Room Information
Click here to locate nursing rooms, single stall/gender neutral bathrooms and more.