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 Return to: Student Handbook 2023-2024
Pregnancy Framework
Andrews University’s framework regarding pregnant and parenting students reflects the values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within an educational context. An official church statement (2019) affirms the sanctity of life (including unborn life) and acknowledges procreation as a sacred gift and God’s intention that pregnancy results from a loving marriage between a man and woman. Ideally, “a pregnancy should be wanted, and each baby should be loved, valued, and nurtured even before birth.” In reality, it acknowledges that “individuals are at times faced with difficult dilemmas and decisions regarding pregnancy.”
University Commitment
Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, the University is prepared to come alongside students navigating their new circumstances. We offer campus support resources, including chaplains (Center for Faith Engagement), counselors (Counseling & Testing Center), deans (Residence & Student Life), accommodation requests (Student Success Center), and referrals to off-campus healthcare providers. The University supports pregnant and parenting students in providing an uninterrupted completion plan for their degrees at Andrews University.
University Response to Sexual Activity Outside of Marriage
Students who engage in consensual sexual activity outside of marriage are generally held accountable to established consequences for failing to uphold the Code of Student Conduct. These consequences do not interrupt students’ academic studies, allowing them to complete their current course load while participating in restorative measures.
University Response to Pregnancy
When students face the life-changing impact of an unplanned pregnancy, particularly outside of marriage, the University seeks to remove any actual or perceived barrier to providing support and care. Regardless of the circumstances, students are encouraged to seek assistance from the University.
As the Adventist church guidelines (2019) encourage, the University seeks to provide care and support to those facing complex decisions about a pregnancy. It aims to offer an environment conducive to pregnant or parenting students’ full participation in campus and academic life. It is also committed to providing a grace-filled atmosphere and “emotional and spiritual support to those who have aborted a child for various reasons … and may be hurting physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually.”
Housing Accommodations
Students who become pregnant while living in residence halls may explore various housing options and timeframes with the Student Life office. Students may remain in the residence halls until the birth of the child. By the third trimester, however, the University strongly recommends making arrangements to move to family housing, on-campus or off-campus, to prepare for the child’s arrival and subsequent housing needs. While some expectant parents may voluntarily choose to take a temporary study leave from the University, students who continue classes during pregnancy and new parenthood are welcome and supported.
Pregnant and Parenting Student Access to Programs and Activities
Andrews University is committed to providing pregnant and parenting students access to the same programs and activities as the rest of the University community. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations and adjustments unless they would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity. For more information, students may request a consultation with the Student Life office. Concerns regarding pregnancy and parental status discrimination may be reported to the Title IX Coordinator or Senior Title IX Deputy for Students.
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