We know what you're thinking: earning a degree is still a priority. Won't adding a newborn into the mix make the process more complicated? Will my professors let me bring my baby to class? What if I can't find a sitter on exam day? These concerns are important things to think about, and we are here to help.
As a convenience to our clients, Hope Women's Resource Clinic provides a list of resources. These resources are not affiliated with Hope Women's Resource Clinic, its officers, directors, agents, employees, successors, representatives, and assigns (collectively, Hope Women's Resource Clinic) assume no liability for the services furnished and make no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, as to the background, training, condition, capacity, or any other aspect of the qualifications or performance of these resources. All clients agree that any decision to use these resources is based on your own independent judgment, which should be based on your due diligence, inquiries, and observations. Clients release Hope Women's Resource Clinic of any claims of any type or kind whatsoever arising out of the use of these resources. These resources are listed based on what is available to students at colleges and universities in the Beaumont area, including but not limited to Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and Lamar State College-Orange.
Table of Contents
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Childcare Information
Lamar Institute of Technology
LIT does not currently offer a Day Care Assistance or Child Care program. Refer to Community Resources for options in your area!
Lamar State College - Orange
Day Care Assistance Program
The program is designed to lessen the financial cost of daycare for qualifying technical students who show a financial need and an ability to benefit from post-secondary education. Program assistance covers $50.00 per week per child attending daycare.
To Apply:
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Applicants must print and fill out the application, compile all necessary documentation, and turn everything into Amy Brister in the Advising & Counseling Office.
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The selected daycare provider must complete a Vendor Information Form and a W-9. The applicant's responsibility is to make sure their child care provider completes those forms, and the applicant must submit them with the application.
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
Day Care Assistance Program
The program is designed to lessen the financial cost of daycare for qualifying students who show a financial need and an ability to benefit from higher education, specifically by majoring in an Associate of Applied Science or certificate program that leads to a career in a high-tech, high-paying job.
To Apply:
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You must print and fill out the application.
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Return it to Laurie Marcantel, the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, in the Madison Monroe Educational Building Rm. 231.
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A vendor information form and a W-9 are also required and must be completed by your daycare provider.
Lamar University
LU does not currently offer a Day Care Assistance or Child Care program. Refer to Community Resources for options in your area!
Employment
Lamar Institute of Technology
Lamar University Careers
There are many jobs available to students attending LIT.
Lamar State College - Orange
Career Center
lsco.edu/advising/careercenter.asp
The Career Planning and Placement Office provides support services by appointment to current students and alumni. The office aids students in developing, evaluating, effectively initiating, and implementing career plans. Information regarding career opportunities and career options is provided with access to local job postings.
The Career Planning and Placement Office is located in room 363 of the Ron E. Lewis Library.
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
Student Employment
lsco.edu/advising/careercenter.asp
Human Resources will assist students in searching for jobs and submitting applications for employment on-campus. They help students obtain career-related & practical work experience.
To Apply
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Create an account at lamarpa.peopleadmin.com
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Complete the online student application and submit your resume.
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Print forms, sign, and return to the Human Resources Office in the Business Office Building at 1501 Procter Street, Room 121
Lamar University
Lamar University Careers
There are many jobs available to students attending LU.
Financial Aid
External Awards
Pell Grant
studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid
Pell Grants are available to all college students who demonstrate financial need, including single mothers and pregnant women.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
FSEO Grants are for students with financial needs and can be obtained in addition to a Pell Grant to help with the remaining costs.
More information: www.ed.gov and www.studentaid.ed.gov
More scholarship info: www.fastweb.com and www.applytexas.org
Lamar Institute of Technology
Office of Student Financial Aid
Location: Eagles' Nest Room 137
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Lamar State College - Orange
Office of Financial Aid
lsco.edu/financialaid/financialaid.asp
409-882-3317
Email: finaid@lsco.edu
Location: Ron E. Lewis Library on the third floor
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., M-Th and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
Day Care Assistance Program
The program is designed to lessen the financial cost of daycare for qualifying students who show a financial need and an ability to benefit from higher education, specifically by majoring in an Associate of Applied Science or certificate program that leads to a career in a high-tech, high-paying job.
To Apply:
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You must print and fill out the application.
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Return it to Laurie Marcantel, the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, in the Madison Monroe Educational Building Rm. 231.
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A vendor information form and a W-9 are also required and must be completed by your daycare provider.
Lamar University
LU does not currently offer a Day Care Assistance or Child Care program. Refer to Community Resources for options in your area!
Food Assistance
Lamar Institute of Technology
LIT does not currently offer food assistance on-campus. Check out the Community Resources Booklet for food assistance services or organizations in your area!
Lamar State College - Orange
LSCO does not currently offer food assistance on-campus. Check out the Community Resources Booklet for food assistance services or organizations in your area!
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
Seahawk Food Pantry
lamarpa.edu/Future-Students/Admission-Information/Resources/Appointment-Plus
The mission of The Seahawk Food Pantry is to help LSCPA students succeed in their pursuit of higher education by providing access to free, nutritious food and additional resources. All current LSCPA students are eligible to participate. Those in need of donations must have a valid LSCPA ID.
Lamar University
Cardinals Food Pantry
lamar.edu/students/student-engagement/civic-engagement/pantry.html
The mission of the Cardinals Pantry is to help LU students succeed in their pursuit of higher education by providing access to free, nutritious food and additional resources. All currently enrolled students at LU are eligible for this program.
Located at the Wesley Foundation at LU, between Combs Hall and Brooks Shivers Dining Hall
Health Information
Lamar Institute of Technology
Student Health Center
lamar.edu/students/student-engagement/student-health-center/index.html
Located at 857 East Virginia, Beaumont, TX 77705 (Behind the Library, between the Dining Hall and Communications)
Its mission is to promote the health and wellness of the university population by offering quality medical and psychological services to the students of Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology. The goal of the Student Health Center is to give you a same-day appointment. If the volume of patients prevents this, staff will offer the first available opening appropriate for your visit. There are no services available on weekends, holidays, or after hours.
They offer many medical services, including the following:
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Examination, diagnosis, and treatment of acute illness
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Lab work
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Gynecological/Well Woman exams
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Immunizations
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Nursing and Allied Health physicals
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Injury care, sutures, wound care, and splinting
The Student Health Center operates a Class D (clinic) pharmacy, offering low-cost medication and supplies to LU and LIT students. Many medicines ordered by the practitioners are available within the clinic pharmacy. They carry antibiotics, eye creams and drops, anti-fungal medications, and non-narcotic pain relievers.
Lamar State College - Orange
LSCO does not currently offer or provide health services to students on campus. Look in the Community Resources Booklet for information on health services in your area!
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
LSCPA does not currently offer or provide health services to students on campus. Look in the Community Resources Booklet for information on health services in your area!
Lamar University
Student Health Center
lamar.edu/students/student-engagement/student-health-center/index.html
Located at 857 East Virginia, Beaumont, TX 77705 (Behind the Library, between the Dining Hall and Communications)
Its mission is to promote the health and wellness of the university population by offering quality medical and psychological services to the students of Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology. The goal of the Student Health Center is to give you a same-day appointment. If the volume of patients prevents this, staff will offer the first available opening appropriate for your visit. There are no services available on weekends, holidays, or after hours.
They offer many medical services, including the following:
-
Examination, diagnosis, and treatment of acute illness
-
Lab work
-
Gynecological/Well Woman exams
-
Immunizations
-
Nursing and Allied Health physicals
-
Injury care, sutures, wound care, and splinting
The Student Health Center operates a Class D (clinic) pharmacy, offering low-cost medication and supplies to LU and LIT students. Many medicines ordered by the practitioners are available within the clinic pharmacy. They carry antibiotics, eye creams and drops, anti-fungal medications, and non-narcotic pain relievers.
Offices of Disability
Lamar Institute of Technology
Special Populations Office
lit.edu/student-success/special-populations
Located in the Eagles' Nest, Room 129
The mission of the Special Populations Office is to ensure that special population students have equal access to all LIT programs & activities.
Lamar State College - Orange
Disability Support Services (DSS)
lsco.edu/advising/disability.asp
(409) 882-3984
Located in the Ron E. Lewis Library, Room 354
To be eligible for DSS at LSCO, a student must:
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Complete an application with the Office of DSS.
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Provide sufficient and current documentation in the form of an evaluation performed by a qualified professional to the DSS office.
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
Office for Disability Services (ODS)
lamarpa.edu/Current-Students/Student-Information/Resources/Disability-Services
disabilityservices@lamarpa.edu
Located in the Madison Monroe Building, Room 231
To obtain services for a disability, a student must:
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Register with the ODS and meet with the ODS Coordinator
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Provide comprehensive documentation of the disability requiring accommodation.
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Obtain an accommodation letter from the ODS Coordinator each semester.
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Provide a copy of the accommodation letter to each instructor each semester the student is registered. Accommodations only become effective when the instructor receives the letter.
Lamar University
Disability Resource Services
lamar.edu/disability-resource-center/index.html
Located in Communication Building, Room 105
The DRC is the university-designated office that determines and facilitates reasonable accommodations in compliance with the ADA.
Parenting Students
Primarily, Title IX protects parenting students from discrimination in educational access. Such items may include:
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The school cannot deny parenting students the ability to apply for an educational program, financial aid, or scholarships for which they would otherwise be eligible.
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Instructors cannot penalize a student because of their parenting status.
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Special programs (e.g., study abroad, sports teams, clubs) cannot deny a parenting student for the reason of their parenting status.
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Some schools have policies regarding parenting students receiving an excused absence for emergency child care (e.g., a sick child). Some schools provide a student parental leave policy (e.g., after childbirth).
Schools can certainly make improvements to ensure better treatment and reasonable accommodations for parenting students. If you have concerns about conflicts with your parenting responsibilities and classroom participation, talk to your professors, academic advisor, or other school admin/staff about these concerns.
Pregnancy Rights & Resources
Title IX covers any education programs that receive federal funding - including Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and Lamar University.
Basic Rights
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You must have equal access to classes and activities. If your school has special services for students with temporary medical conditions, they must offer the same services to you. For instance, if your school records lectures for students who miss class because they are sick, they must do the same for you due to pregnancy.
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Your college must excuse your absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says is necessary. Schools must reschedule exams missed due to pregnancy or childbirth. When you return, your college must allow you to return to the same status you had before you left and give you a chance to make up for missed work.
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Your college cannot make you take time off if you don’t want to.
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Your college cannot exclude you from a program because you are pregnant or a parent.
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If your college has a program or activity for pregnant or parenting students, you get to decide if you want to take part.
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Your college can make you turn in medical records only if they make students with medical conditions do the same. If they do not require other students, then it is illegal to make you do so.
School Activities
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You can take part in activities for as long as you want. Your college cannot stop you from joining clubs, going to events, or participating in research unless the school has the same rules for all students who have a condition needing medical attention.
Classes
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Your college cannot make you change your major or degree program because you are pregnant or a parent. They cannot force you to attend an alternate program.
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If a professor doesn’t want you in class because you’re pregnant, tell a school official ASAP. You have a right to take any course you wish to if you meet course prerequisites.
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If students with temporary medical conditions get online classes or tutoring, students who miss class because of pregnancy or childbirth should get the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have to miss class, does my university have to excuse my absence?
Yes. Your school must excuse your absences due to pregnancy and related conditions, including absences for labor, delivery, and recovery, as well as prenatal appointments. Your school must excuse your pregnancy-related absence for as long as your doctor says it is necessary. Your school can require a doctor's note, but only if it requires the same for students with other medical conditions.
Class attendance is part of my final grade. Can my professor lower my grade because I miss classes for pregnancy-related reasons?
No. You cannot be penalized for pregnancy or related conditions. If a professor provides "points" to students based on class attendance, they must give you a chance to earn back the credit from classes you miss due to pregnancy.
Does my university have to give me a chance to make up the work I missed while I was absent?
Yes. If you miss class for pregnancy-related reasons or childbirth, your school has to give you a chance to make up missed work. No matter what, your school must give you any info you need to make up work you would have had to complete if you were in class.
What about participating in internships, labs, research, career rotations, & other elements of my program?
You have a right to take part in all elements of your program while pregnant or parenting. The program cannot require a doctor's note for continued participation unless the school requires all students who have a medical condition. If your doctor gives a letter saying you can participate in a particular program, your school cannot second guess your doctor's decision.
I have a merit or need-based scholarship. Can my university take away my scholarship if they find out I am pregnant?
No. Universities cannot end or reduce merit or need-based scholarships based on pregnancy. If you stay in good standing in your program, you must be allowed to keep your scholarship.
I live on campus. Can I be evicted because I am pregnant?
Your school cannot evict you from housing for being pregnant. However, schools are not required to provide housing for your family.
My professor says it’s unsafe for me to do lab experiments. How can I make sure I’m getting the experience I need?
Your school should have the right equipment for all students and make adjustments in the lab on a case-by-case basis. If your doctor says it is safe for you to do experiments, your professor cannot second guess that decision. If your doctor says it is safe only under certain conditions, your school should provide those conditions. If your doctor says participation is unsafe, your school must give you a chance to make up assignments later.
I’m coming back to school after giving birth to a child. Does my school have to let me breastfeed or pump breast milk on campus?
Yes. Schools cannot discriminate based on sex, which includes pregnancy and related conditions. Breastfeeding is a condition related to pregnancy, so schools must find ways to help students who need to breastfeed or pump on campus. Texas has laws that say mothers have a right to breastfeed or pump in any place they are otherwise allowed to be.
Can I be excused from class to pump breast milk?
Yes. In general, a nursing parent with a new baby must pump or breastfeed every two to three hours. If you have a class that is longer than three hours or back-to-back classes without enough break time in between, talk to school officials or professors about taking break time to pump. The school must find a way to help with your request, especially if they allow students with temporary medical conditions to miss class time to address their needs.
Student Athlete Pregnancy
Know Your Rights!
Under Title IX regulations lawfully require colleges and universities to adhere to non-discrimination regulations when student-athletes become pregnant, including Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and Lamar University. There are several essential protections in the NCAA Gender Equity Handbook, including but not limited to the following:
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You and your physician should make decisions regarding sports participation, such as limitations on practice time. In addition, medically necessary absences from team activities should be considered excused.
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The school must provide you with the same modifications provided to other student-athletes to allow continued team participation, meaning that while you may be limited in some activities, the team must allow you to participate as you are able.
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No person can harass you due to your pregnancy.
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If pregnancy interrupts your career, you will be entitled to an additional "red-shirt" season. The school or program can extend the typical four seasons of play allowed to collegiate athletes over six years, including instances when you have already started to compete in the current season.
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Financial awards cannot be conditioned on not becoming pregnant.
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Your athletics financial aid award is protected during the term of the award, regardless of pregnancy.
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The school cannot deny the renewal of a financial aid award due to pregnancy or the resulting reduction in physical fitness. However, it can be dismissed if you do not comply with the rehabilitation plan outlined by physicians, cease communication with the program, or disengage in other non-pregnancy-related ways.
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Pregnancy discrimination cannot be carried out under the guise of enforcing rules against premarital sex.
More information can be found in the NCAA pamphlet "Pregnant and Parenting Student-Athletes: Resources and Model Policies."
Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) can help with legal assistance in maintaining a scholarship or continued participation in college athletics. 1-800-835-5233 or www.alliancedefensefund.org
Federal Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
You and your decision to carry your pregnancy to term, parent a child or terminate your pregnancy are protected. The school may not assume that pregnancy makes it unsafe for you to continue to play. You can both continue to participate in the athletics program as long as it is medically safe, and you can return to the team once it is medically safe to do so, as determined by you and your healthcare provider. The Title IX Regulations also apply to a male student-athlete, protecting him from adverse treatment based on his “actual or potential parental, family, or marital status.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be excluded from participating because I'm pregnant?
No. Only you and your doctor can make medical decisions about your participation or limitations in sports. You cannot be automatically excluded from sports participation, but the school may require certification from your doctor. Medically necessary absences from activities due to pregnancy should be considered excused absences.
Can I still participate with certain limitations or modifications?
Yes. Sports participation typically is not all-or-nothing. Workouts are commonly modified to accommodate athletic injuries. Student-athletes returning after an illness gradually return to complete workouts. Pregnancy-related conditions may also require modifications to workouts and team activities. The school must also make the types of alterations to athletic activities made for ill or injured student-athletes for you.
What do I do if I am harassed because I'm pregnant?
Because pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination, comments or behaviors creating a hostile environment based on pregnancy are prohibited. In addition, athletics department personnel must act quickly to stop harassment by others. Contact a school official about any harassment, including but not limited to belittling, shunning, shaming, a hostile environment, or allowing these actions to take place.
Can I return to the team if my athletic career is interrupted?
Yes. NCAA bylaws offer you extensions that may apply during your athletic career, typically referred to as a "red-shirted" year. Under these rules, you may be granted an additional year of competition due to "hardship" provided there is medical documentation that indicates you were unable to compete for the remainder of the season.
Can I be denied from recruitment because I am pregnant?
No. A school's recruiting policies or practices may not discriminate against female student-athletes who are pregnant or parenting. If the school recruits student-athletes who are fathers or are about to become fathers, they must utilize the same recruiting standards for their female recruits. Therefore, a heavily recruited female student-athlete who becomes pregnant before signing her letter of intent must receive the same treatment from the institution that a male student-athlete whose partner is expecting a child or fathered a child would receive.
Can I lose my financial award?
No. Once you receive an athletics award, the presenter cannot withdraw it due to pregnancy, suspected pregnancy, parenthood, or termination of pregnancy. As long as you remain in good academic standing and do not withdraw voluntarily, your scholarship is protected from being reduced or removed. You are entitled to keep your scholarship under NCAA bylaws.
If I need to take leave, can I return to participation?
Yes. Athletics departments are required to reinstate you, post-partum, "to the status [you] held when the leave began." including you returning to be a full-fledged team member if that was your status when the leave began.
I'm worried about medical care. Will that be covered while I'm pregnant or after?
Title IX Regulations require institutions to treat pregnancy as they treat other temporary illnesses or injuries. If an institution covers medical expenses related to pregnancy for all students, you are eligible for those student benefits. After birth, the baby will need their own coverage for medical care. Title IX does not require schools to pay for an abortion.
What if I decide to terminate my pregnancy? Can that be held against me?
No. The school may not impose a penalty on a student, withhold a benefit, or retaliate against you, because you are seeking, have received, or are recovering from a legal abortion.
Can I be punished for participating in premarital sex?
No. Pregnancy discrimination cannot be carried out under the guise of enforcing rules against premarital sex.
What if I report pregnancy discrimination? Will that be used against me?
When you report pregnancy discrimination, your school should take affirmative steps to prevent any retaliation. All those in the institution who complain about discrimination are protected under Title IX, even if the conduct complained about is not unlawful.
Tips for Breastfeeding and Managing Pregnancy on Campus
Balancing school and pregnancy can be challenging for students, especially if it's your first time being a parent. Once your baby arrives and you're figuring out a schedule, it's essential to have a few tricks up your sleeves for breastfeeding on campus.
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Get to know your campus. Many schools have parent centers; some of them include lounges where parents can breastfeed.
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Lamar University has a Wellness Room in the Setzer Student Center. It is a private, relaxing space for mothers, caregivers to infants, & other guests. A staff member will unlock the Wellness Room for you.
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To make a reservation call 409-880-8722 or 409-550-0100 or visit Office 270
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Bring resources everywhere. If you are breastfeeding, don't forget to bring breastfeeding pads for leaking. Carry your pump with you because you never know when you might need to pump.
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Remember your rights. You can pump in public, and your school needs to protect you from harassment. Any negative comments may constitute sexual harassment or discrimination.
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Talk to your professors. If you miss class due to breastfeeding, your professors should excuse your absence; still, some professors may not understand. A note from your doctor that states you are breastfeeding and need to do so on a schedule couldn't hurt.
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Schedule in breaks. You may have scheduled your classes back-to-back before college, but you will need that extra time between courses. If possible, schedule your classes so you have at least one free day per week for doctor's appointments or resting.
Managing assignment deadlines, projects, and social life may feel difficult to balance on its own, but throw in pregnancy, and students can often feel completely overwhelmed. With a bit of planning and determination, however, it doesn’t need to be that way.
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Find a village. Talking to your baby is beautiful, but you will feel like you are going crazy and will need some adult conversations from time to time. Social interactions with other students, and student-parents, will feel comforting and not so isolating.
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Pick a study time. It is often difficult to find time to study. The best times might be at night when your child sleeps. Creating a bedtime routine is crucial for your sanity and grades.
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Be prepared. Because of changes in hormones, pregnant students often find that they need to eat every 2-3 hours. It’s important to keep snacks and beverages with you when hunger or thirst strikes.
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Break up your day. Even before the baby comes, pregnant students still may not want to schedule back-to-back classes as they’ll be extra tired from creating another human.
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Keep an eye out for bathrooms. It’s no secret that pregnant individuals visit the bathroom more often than those who aren’t. Some pregnancy symptoms will make finding a restroom in a hurry a necessity. Keep an eye out for where toilets are so you’ll know where to run when necessary.
Transportation
Lamar Institute of Technology
LIT does not currently offer on-campus transportation. Check beaumonttransit.com/home/routes for Beaumont Municipal Transit Routes.
Lamar State College - Orange
LSCO does not currently offer on-campus transportation.
Call (409) 745-9511 for information on SETX Transit in Orange County.
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
LSCPA does not currently offer on-campus transportation. Check portarthurtx.gov/201/Transit-Department for Port Arthur Transit routes.
Lamar University
LU Shuttle
Students are now able to track the Shuttle as it moves around campus on its route. You can see the shuttle schedule, pick-up/stop locations, or track it live. Use this link to download the LU Shuttle App on your smartphone: lamar.transloc.com/info/mobile#app
Tutoring
Student Learning Assistance Center
LIT offers individual tutoring and Supplemental Instruction for students. They make every effort to find a tutor in any subject requested. Tutoring is available upon request.
To request a tutor: STEP Project Coordinator at 409-839-2043
Lamar State College - Orange
The Learning Center
lsco.edu/learningcenter/learningcenter.asp
Individualized tutoring is available in writing, math, reading, computer applications, and other subjects requested by students. Located in the Ron E. Lewis Library, 1st Floor
Lamar State College - Port Arthur
The Student Success Center
lamarpa.edu/Degrees-Certificates/Academic-Programs/Developmental-Education/Student-Success-Center
The Student Success Center assists students to complete courses and programs of study, prepare for and pass a range of standardized exams, and develop and improve academic skills essential for success in a baccalaureate program.
Lamar University
Lamar University Tutoring Center
lamar.edu/student-tutoring-and-retention/tutoring/index.html
The LU Tutoring Center offers tutoring sessions for Lamar University undergraduate courses. Located in the Mary and John Gray Library, 1st Floor