Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students
Salisbury University is committed to creating an educational environment where pregnant and parenting students can participate fully in academic programs, student activities, employment opportunities, and campus life without discrimination. Consistent with Title IX, Maryland law, and the University’s commitment to create Access and Belonging inside a Community that Develops for all at SU and Beyond, SU provides accommodations, support services, referrals, and resources to help pregnant and parenting students continue their education and achieve their academic goals.
Maryland Senate Bill 420 requires public institutions of higher education to adopt and publish a support plan for pregnant and parenting students. The plan creates Exposure, Education , and meaningful Experiences by providing information about institutional accommodations, government-assistance programs, adoption resources, and a referral network of health-care providers. This webpage brings the University’s plan, guides, contacts, and referral resources together in one place.
Students may begin by contacting any trusted University employee or office. Faculty and staff who receive a disclosure or request should respond supportively and help connect the student with the appropriate office. A student does not have to determine the correct office before asking for help.
Need help deciding where to start?
OAA handles accommodation requests. OIE handles Title IX, discrimination, and retaliation concerns. SU Cares provides case management and resource coordination. SU Student Health Services supports the health, well-being, and academic success of our students.
Start Here
Request Accommodations or Reasonable Modifications
The Office of Access and Accommodations (OAA) coordinates pregnancy-related accommodations, individualized review, reasonable modifications, and implementation support. Students may request assistance at any time. Accommodations may involve academic participation, medically necessary absences, lactation, housing, student employment, clinical or field experiences, or other individualized access needs.
Office of Access and Accommodations website - 410-543-6087 | accommodations@salisbury.edu
Report Discrimination, Harassment, or Retaliation
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) coordinates implementation of the University’s Pregnant and Parenting Student Support Plan and addresses concerns involving pregnancy-related discrimination, harassment, retaliation, denial of equal access, or interference with an approved accommodation. OIE can explain rights and options and identify the appropriate University process.
Office of Institutional Equity website - 410-543-6426 | equity@salisbury.edu
Request Case Management or Resource Support
SU Cares assists students experiencing non-academic barriers through case management, crisis support, emergency-absence assistance, and connections to campus and community resources. Students may contact SU Cares even if they are unsure which resource they need.
SU Cares website - 410-677-0022 | SUCares@salisbury.edu
Plan and Guides
Additional Campus Resources
| Resource | Support Available | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Student Health Services | Health appointments, health education, and health-care referrals. | 410-543-6262 studenthealth@salisbury.edu |
| Counseling Center | Confidential mental-health services, crisis intervention, short-term treatment, and referrals. | 410-543-6070 counseling@salisbury.edu |
| Campus Housing and Residence Life | Residential support and housing information. Housing accommodations are coordinated through OAA. | 410-543-6040 house@salisbury.edu |
| Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships | Financial-aid counseling and information about grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. | 410-543-6165, option 4 finaid@salisbury.edu |
| Division of Student Affairs | Student support and coordination of services promoting educational and personal development. | 410-543-6080 arjohnson@salisbury.edu |
Additional External Resources
Government Assistance and Community Referrals
The University provides information about and referrals to government-assistance programs and other community resources. External agencies determine eligibility and service availability.
- Maryland WIC - Nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy supplemental foods, and health referrals.
- Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program - Financial assistance with child-care costs for eligible Maryland families.
- Maryland Medicaid - Health coverage information for eligible Maryland residents.
- Maryland Children’s Health Program - Health coverage for eligible uninsured children under age 19.
- Maryland Department of Human Services: Adoption and Guardianship - State adoption, guardianship, and referral information.
- Maryland Health Connection - Maryland’s official health-insurance marketplace and enrollment resource.
For Faculty and Staff
Students frequently disclose pregnancy- or parenting-related needs to a faculty member, counselor, adviser, supervisor, Human Resources employee, Student Affairs employee, or other trusted campus contact. Employees do not need to determine the accommodation. Employees should listen, protect privacy, avoid requesting unnecessary medical details, and make a prompt, warm connection to the appropriate office.
- Accommodation or access need → OAA
- Discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or denial-of-access concern → OIE
- Case management, emergency absence, or resource need → SU Cares
- Immediate health or safety emergency → 911 or Salisbury University Police
Our Commitment
Salisbury University is committed to ensuring that pregnant and parenting students can seek support without unnecessary barriers. The University’s goal is to provide equitable access, individualized support, clear referral pathways, and meaningful resources so students can continue to learn, participate, and succeed.