Stanford
Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures

5.9.2 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Adoption, and Lactation: Implementation

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  1. Childbirth Accommodation For Expecting Graduate Students
  2. Academic Accommodation for Non-Birthing Graduate Students
  3. Pregnancy or Parental Leaves of Absence
  4. Lactation Support

 

Last updated on:
Friday, August 22, 2025

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5.9.1 Pregnancy, Childbirth, Adoption, and Lactation: Policy

1. Childbirth Accommodation For Expecting Graduate Students

#PROCESS STEPSRESPONSIBILITY
1.Initiate discussions with their advisor(s) and degree program administrators at least four months prior to the anticipated arrival of the child in order to make arrangements for an Accommodation for Parents. Student
2.Complete the Childbirth and Parental Accommodation request. Student
3.Generate an email notification to the faculty advisor, with a link to the student's online application.Online application
4.Review the request, and discuss plans with the student. Indicate on the online application that this review has taken place.Academic advisor
5.Upon degree program review, generate an email notification to the VPGE Office with a link to the completed application.Online application
6. Confirm funding arrangements with the degree program, if necessary.VPGE Office
7. 

Notify the following offices by email of the terms of the Academic Accommodation Period:

  • the student
  • the student’s degree program and advisor
  • the VPGE Office
  • the Office of the Registrar
  • the Bechtel International Center, in the case of an international student.
Online application
8. Process supplemental financial support for the student, if any, in GFS.VPGE Office 
9. If the student wishes to reduce enrollment below full-time, complete the Graduate Petition for Part-time Enrollment in Axess, indicating a childbirth accommodation period, and process as described in GAP 5.2 Part-Time Enrollment.Student

 

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2. Academic Accommodation for Non-Birthing Graduate Students

#PROCESS STEPSRESPONSIBILITY
1.Initiate discussions with their advisor(s) and degree program administrators at least four months prior to the anticipated arrival of the childbirth in order to make arrangements for an Childbirth Accommodation for Parents. Student
2.Complete the Childbirth and Parental Accommodation request. Student
3.Generate an email notification to the faculty advisor, with a link to the student's online application.Online application
4.Review the request, and discuss plans with the student. Indicate on the online application that this review has taken place.Academic advisor
5.Upon degree program review, generate an email notification to the VPGE Office with a link to the completed application.Online application
6. 

Notify the following offices by email of the terms of the Academic Accommodation Period:

  • the student
  • the student’s degree program and advisor
  • the VPGE Office
  • the Office of the Registrar
  • the Bechtel International Center, in the case of an international student.
Online application
7. If the student wishes to reduce enrollment below full-time, complete the Graduate Petition for Part-time Enrollment in Axess, indicating a childbirth accommodation period, and process as described in GAP 5.2 Part-Time Enrollment.Student

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3. Pregnancy or Parental Leaves of Absence

(See GAP 5.3 Leaves of Absence.)

#PROCESS STEPSRESPONSIBILITY
1.Inform degree program and advisor of circumstances leading to a leave of absence. Discuss alternatives.Student
2.Complete the Leave of Absence Request and gather necessary signatures. Submit the Leave of Absence eForm and select “Pregnancy or Parental Leave (graduate students)” under the “Reason for Request” options.Student
3.

Review and approve eForm in queue.

For students in programs requiring candidacy, extend the candidacy period (or pre-candidacy period for students not yet admitted to candidacy) by the required amount (one year for pregnancy leaves; one quarter for parental leaves for non-birth parents).

Degree Program
4. For international students, review and approve eForm in queue.Bechtel International Center
5. Upon receipt of the eForm and approved Childbirth and Parental Accommodation request, adjust the student's status in Axess.Registrar
6. Make any necessary arrangements for housing, insurance, etc.Student

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4. Lactation Support

#PROCESS STEPSRESPONSIBILITY
1.Contact their advisor or with the relevant instructor(s) of any course in which they are enrolled as soon as a lactation accommodation is needed. Students may also approach the student services staff or Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) for their degree program.Student or Postdoctoral Scholar
2.Receive and review accommodation requirements, identify appropriate space and schedule for the student or postdoctoral scholar, and discuss the accommodation with the student or postdoctoral scholar. Advisor or instructor
3.Assist in addressing the accommodation request, including helping identify appropriate space(s) to accommodate the student or postdoctoral scholar, in consultation with the building or facilities managers. Degree Program staff
4.Ensure compliance with this policy.Director of Graduate Studies or Department Chair
5.Review concerns about lactation accommodation the student or postdoctoral scholar may raise (TitleIX@stanford.edu).SHARE Title IX Office
6. Maintain list of campus spaces available for pumping and nursing available for students and postdoctoral scholars.Work Life Office

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