Student Maternity, Maternity Support and Adoption Policy

Key Information:

This policy provides advice and guidance for cases where students wish to adjust or interrupt their studies due to pregnancy; becoming a father or an adoptive parent; their partner (including same-sex partner) becoming pregnant or expecting to be responsible for the child.

For whom:  Any student in the foregoing categories and University staff who may have a role in advising such students.

Summary:

This policy focuses primarily on study-related matters, including:

• how and when to notify your School and Adviser of Studies/Postgraduate Supervisor;
• rights and responsibilities for students, staff and the University;
• health and safety issues;
• absence from and resumption of studies;
• financial considerations.

It also provides links to relevant sources of information and help.

Date effective:  Session 2009-10

Recommended by:  Student Support & Development Committee, May 2009

Ratified by:  Senate, 4 June 2009; with minor revisions - Senate, 3 June 2010

Updated by: Student Support & Development Committee, September 2012 (Summer Powers)