Temporary Absences and Pregnancy
Students may be absent from classes due to a variety of reasons. If you need to be absent from classes or your SCC employment, please communicate that to your instructor or supervisor as soon as you can.
If you need to be absent for more than two weeks due to personal medical emergency, pregnancy or childbirth, or family emergencies, you should also connect with the staff listed below.
- For absences due to a personal medical emergency (ie: surgeries or major illnesses requiring hospitalization) contact Disability Services at ds@southcentral.edu, 507-389-7222, or make an appointment online. Students do not need contact Disability Serices for absences related to cold or flu.
- For absences due to pregnancy or childbirth contact the Director of the Academic Support Center at kelly.karstad@southcentral.edu, 507-389-7222, or make an appointment online.
- For absences due to a family emergency (ie: family-related medical emergencies or a death in the family), contact the Vice President for Student Affairs at deanofstudentaffairs@southcentral.edu or 507-389-7351. Students do not need to contact the Vice President for Student Affairs for absences related family vacations
These staff may ask you to provide documentation of you or your family member’s health condition or pregnancy that is causing the absence.
More information is available in the Extended Absence Procedure web page.
Pregnant Students' Rights and Resources
South Central College supports pregnant and parenting students and wants students to be aware of their rights and available resources.
Title IX
Title IX is a law that says that schools cannot treat a student differently because of sex/gender, being a parent or pregnant, being single, married or unmarried. Unequal treatment is against the law of Title IX.
Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students
- Have the same access as other students to classes, programs, clubs, internships, financial aid and scholarships.
- Take a break from your classes after you give birth for as long as your doctor says you need, usually 4-6 weeks. You can return to the same classes and finish what you have left.
- Be able to use the same services as students with short term health conditions.
- Stay registered in the same classes and program. No one can force you to change classes or program due to pregnancy.
- Prompt response to any reports of harassment because of a pregnancy related condition.
Resources
Childcare
There are many local resources for parents. For example, help with childcare costs. You can find out about these resources on the SCC web site: https://southcentral.edu/student-life/child-care-assistance-community-resources
Our Social Workers can help you with questions about these resources.
- North Mankato Social Worker: Jesse Spencer jesse.spencer@southcentral.edu 507-389-7335
- Faribault Social Worker: Candace Ballstadt candace.ballstadt@southcentral.edu 507-332-5852
Accommodations
During your pregnancy you may need have different needs such as a larger chair to use in class or a limit on how much you can carry. If you give birth or are put on bed rest during a semester, you can get help returning to complete your classes. To learn more contact Kelly Karstad kelly.karstad@southcentral.edu 507-389-7339
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a pregnancy related condition and protected by law (Title IX). Staff and students can use these rooms for breastfeeding: North Mankato - Room E 128, Faribault - Room C 29, enter through C 28 the Resource Center.
Contact
Kelly Karstad, Director of Academic Support Center, kelly.karstad@southcentral.edu 507-389-7339
Judy Endres, Vice President of Students Affairs, Title IX Coordinator judy.endres@southcentral.edu 507-389-7351
Minnesota State’s 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Policy states our commitment to prevent and address discrimination.