On Tuesday, March 7 UAB Title IX and Off Campus Student & Family Engagement hosted their third Lunch & Learn for pregnant and parenting students. The purpose of the event is to connect students with resources on campus that can aid them throughout their parenting journey. Not only were students introduced to ways in which these offices and their partners could help them, but they were also given step-by-step instructions on how to register with the Title IX office.

For students attending this program, and many others, their college experience isn’t living in a residence hall or racing to use the last of their dining dollars before the end of the semester. Parenting students often experience a non-traditional route when it comes to their college education. Many work full-time jobs, and commute outside of city limits, on top of caring for their children.

Olivia Lenoir is finishing up her senior year and working towards her bachelor's degree in psychology. In January 2023 Lenoir delivered her son during the first week of the semester, “I was literally in labor emailing my professors to get extensions and they were so accommodating.” Lenior spoke about how she was able to register with the Title IX office early on and came to the Lunch & Learn event to learn about even more ways UAB could support her and her son until she graduates.

Over the past four years, Lenoir has valued the time she has had as a UAB Blazer, especially as she began her parenting journey, “They (UAB) look out for us, they help us by being proactive rather than reactive and that gives us a lot of cushion. It lets us know that we have their support and we don’t have to drop out. We can be a parent and still get our degree.”

Parenting students extend beyond the undergraduate level. Another attendee, Sarah Williford, is a Ph.D. candidate studying cancer and biology. 

Ph.D. candidate Sarah Williford posing with her ‘UAB Supports Parenting Blazers’ tumbler. Photo courtesy: Taylor Stewart, UAB Student Affairs Marketing & Communication

For her, this lunch and learn was the first place she learned about a variety of benefits, “It was really helpful, I actually didn’t know about a lot of this stuff.” Williford learned about resources like the Blazer Kitchen at the Hill Student Center which provides more than just food items. Parenting students are able to find wipes, diapers, and even baby food when the Blazer Kitchen has them in stock, “UAB is better than a lot of other institutions,” she says. Her peers at other institutions have spoken about their pregnancy experiences and Williford stated that she felt more secure at UAB, “They do a really good job through supporting you as a parent and when you’re pregnant. Most of the employees I’ve interacted with are very open to helping you as much as they can.”

To learn more about Title IX benefits, and how UAB supports students in their parenting and pregnancy journey, click here.