Academics & Parenthood
Intro | Pregnant? | On Campus | Taking Care | Lactation Stations
This site is intended to be a starting point for understanding and accessing campus and local community resources, which can assist students who are also parents or expectant parents. As you pursue your studies, there may be times when the multiple and conflicting needs and responsibilities you face as a student parent seem overwhelming. You may feel tired, frustrated, guilty, or unfocused. The campus departments and the contact persons listed below are committed to supporting your retention as a successful UCI student. Come to us for advice and assistance with staying focused on your academic goals.
Start at the office that might meet your most immediate needs. Be sure to inform us of other needs and issues that are impacting your academic progress so we can make referrals to the appropriate resources. Finally, share this information with other students who might be facing similar challenges to their academic progress.
Emergency Contraception
Effective for preventing pregnancy within first 72 hours following failed contraception.
Call for information and a list of local providers 800-584-9911 or visit: http://ec.princeton.edu or www.amwa.org
Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy Options
Download our brochure detailing your choices, questions to consider, and a list of resources.
Now that you have opted to carry your pregnancy to term and become a parent, the following list of resources will be a helpful guide to keeping your academics and wellness in check.
Academic Counselors
Claire Trevor School of the Arts |
(949) 824-6646 |
Biological Sciences |
(949) 824-5318 |
Samuel Eli School of Engineering |
(949) 824-4334 |
Humanities |
(949) 824-1392 |
Information & Computer Science |
(949) 824-5156 |
Physical Sciences |
(949) 824-7517 |
Social Ecology |
(949) 824-6861 |
Social Sciences |
(949) 824-6804 |
Undecided/Undeclared |
(949) 824-6987 |
Transfer Services |
(949) 824-1142 |
Career Center
Student Services Building 1Contact: Araceli Rossi, Counselor
(949) 824-8331
http://www.career.uci.edu
Career Counseling is available by drop-in & scheduled appointments. Assistance with finding employment & internships, graduate school planning, and referrals to other career resources can be found here. For a complete list of services, please visit the Career Center website.
Counseling Center
Student Services Building 1
Contact: James Cones, Ph.D.
Hours: M-F 8am-5pm
(949) 824-6457
http://www.counseling.uci.edu
Individual, couple and family therapy provided by licensed psychologists and graduate interns. Also therapeutic discussion/support groups, based on interest, e.g. Single Parents, Adults Molested as Children, etc. Offers daily drop-in consultation hours for urgent matters, otherwise appointments are available.
Financial Aid
102 Administration
Contact: Olivia Garcia, Counseling Supervisor
(949) 824-6268
http://www.fao.uci.edu/
Information and guidance regarding how to apply for or adjust financial aid award for student parents. Make an appointment with Ms. Garcia even if she is not your assigned counselor.
Health Education, Sexual Health Program
G319 Student Center
Contact: Alisa Foreman
(949) 824-8206
http://www.health.uci.edu
The Sexual Health Program provides confidential consultation to students regarding pregnancy options, birth control (including emergency contraception), and prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Anonymous HIV antibody testing, condoms, lube and educational materials are free to students. Other services include consultation with professional health educators regarding nutrition, substance abuse, and smoking cessation, academic courses, leadership opportunities, and a video lending library.
University Ombudsman Office
437 Administration Building
Contact: Michael Scennault
(949) 824-7256
http://www.ombuds.uci.edu
Services include assistance with student status and other academic concerns, resolving financial and billing issues, and offering referrals for a broad range of student parent issues. The Ombudsman seeks to advocate equity within the campus community while maintaining the highest confidentiality.
Graduate and Family Housing
Corner of Pereira and East Peltason
Contact: Lisa Cornish, Senior Executive Director
(949) 824-5988
http://www.housing.uci.edu/graduate/
Can assist student seeking on-campus family housing. Be sure to attend to this matter promptly, as there may be a waiting list.
Disability Services Center
Trailer near Humanities Quad
Contact: Jan Serrantino Ph.D., Director
(949) 824-7494
www.disability.uci.edu
The Disability Services Center (DSC) provides reasonable accommodations for students with permanent and temporary disabilities (which may include pregnancy). For more information, visit the DSC website.
Cross-Cultural Center
Across from the Administration Building
Contact: Kevin Huie, Director
(949) 824-2001
http://www.ccc.uci.edu
Participation and leadership opportunities for students interested in promoting and celebrating the multi-ethnic, multicultural campus community. Computers, a multi-cultural resource library, and study areas are available.
Helpful Tips for Surviving Pregnancy on Campus |
|
Get on the list! |
As soon as you know you will be carrying your baby to term, contact both Graduate & Family Housing and Child Care Services to be put on the waitlist. The waitlist is often long; the earlier you plan, the better your chances of securing a space. Plus, on-campus housing and child care are generally more cost effective and convenient for student parents. |
Consider time off for Labor Day |
As your due date approaches, it may be difficult to continue school. You may want to consider withdrawing a quarter to prepare and deliver your baby. If you time it correctly, the three months will give you an opportunity to get acquainted with your newborn before you readmit. Consult with your academic counselor to ensure you're on track with requirements. Academic Counselors can also coach you through the process of withdrawal and readmission. |
Bring healthy snacks to class! |
You and your baby need constant nourishment, especially during the first trimester. Pregnancy has been known to bring on instantaneous food cravings, so be sure to pack nutritious snacks to munch on. A nutrition educator at the Health Education Center can make recommendations. |
Register with Disabilities Services Center |
Sometimes pregnancy may present temporary challenges that may affect your ability to be an effective student. DSC is here to offer helpful accommodations such as note-taking services. Contact DSC for details on eligibility and registration. |
Exercise at the Arc! |
Myth: pregnant women can't exercise. Registered students have access to the Anteater Recreation Center (ARC). Certified professional trainers are available to assist in creating a safe and appropriate workout routine for pregnant women. Personal training sessions are up to $30 a session. |
Support Groups |
Being pregnant may bring about a number of emotional, social, and physical issues. Support groups can provide resources and serve as a compassionate community to offer assurance that you are not alone. |
Morning Sickness |
Morning sickness can strike at any time and is often an unpleasant experience. It may drain your motivation to actively participate in class. Discussing your condition with your professor can promote a plan for dealing with occasional and severe bouts with morning sickness. Contact DSC to help facilitate potential accommodations with your professor(s). |
Taking Care of You & Your Baby
Prenatal Care & Well Baby Visits
Scheduling regular visits to your OBGyn ensures that you and your baby will get proper care. Regular visits also inform you of your progress and what to expect as you carry your baby to term. On the same token, after the delivery, your baby will have regular appointments for Well Baby Check-ups to keep both you and your baby healthy and well.
*Student Health Center
Cattycorner to Police Office and Campus Housing
Women's Health Clinic
(949) 824-5304 (appt. line)
All registered students are eligible to use services at SHC. The Student Health Center is the primary care facility for students covered by the Undergraduate Student Health Insurance Plan (USHIP). In order to take advantage of your insurance plan, all medical care must begin at Student Health. If you need a medical service that we cannot provide, you will be referred to a qualified provider in the community. If you are a member of USHIP, the cost of your medical care will be billed directly to your insurance plan. If you have waived the USHIP fee, you are still eligible to use Student Health on a fee for service basis. We will gladly provide you with an itemized statement to submit to your private insurance plan.
*Campus Resource
Babyline-HOAG Hospital
1 Hoag Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92658
(949) 764-2229
Community resource open 7 days a week. Staffed by nurses who answer questions regarding: pre-conception, pregnancy, infant care, breastfeeding, parenting, etc. Breast feeding classes and “Positive Parenting” seminars are offered. Free pregnancy test available. All services are confidential and anonymous.
Huntington Beach Community Clinic
8041 Newman Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 842-2829
Laguna Beach Community Clinic
362 Third Street
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-0761
March of Dimes
2222 Martin Suite 155 (Colton Plaza)
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 263-1100
http://www.modimes.org
Maternal Outreach Management System (MOMS)
1212 North Broadway, Suite 212
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 972-2610
Fax (714) 972-2620
www.oc-moms.org
O.C. Health Care Agency (Special Disease Clinic)
1725 West 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 834-8787
Planned Parenthood's Costa Mesa Clinic
Offers:
Family Planning, Prenatal Health Care, Well-Baby Care
(949) 548-8830
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
(714) 834-8333
http://www.ochealthinfo.com/public/nutrition/wic.htm
Child Care Services & Kid Programs
Balancing school and parenting can be a challenge without quality, reputable childcare. In addition, programs especially designed for kids can enrich your child's lives while complimenting your parenting style.
*Child Care Services
501 Adobe Circle @ California Road
Contact: Kathy White, Director
(949) 824-2100
Services: Subsidized childcare for eligible students, at various childcare centers on campus. It is essential to place your name on the waiting list as soon as you know you may be facing childcare decisions. Lactation accommodation is also available.
*Campus Resource
Child Care Coordination Office
1 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 19575
Irvine, CA 92613
(949) 724-6632
www.irvinechildcare.org
Provides a variety of services designed to enhance and maintain the quality of childcare in the community. Family support service and childcare referrals available.
Child Resource & Information Center
14341 Yale Ave.
Irvine, CA 92604-1901
(949) 724-6721
Offers a variety of resource materials related to caring for children from birth to age 12 for parents, employers, students and child care providers.
Irvine Child Development Center
2 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
Contact: Lisa Tucker, Co-Director
(949) 724-6700
Provides child care for children ages 2 mos.-5 yrs. Fees vary.
*RadKIDS Safety Academy
UCI Police Department
Contact: Cindy Ceron, Live Scan and Records Assistance
(949) 824-0073
www.police.uci.edu
The UC Irvine Police Department and Campus Recreation offer radKIDS Safety Academy (Resisting Aggression Defensively). The academy covers all aspects of personal safety such as out and about safety, vehicle safety, bike safety, home safety, school safety, bullies, fire safety, using 911 correctly, Internet pitfalls, water/pool safety, as well as stranger awareness, good/bad/uncomfortable touch, and basic principles of defense. This personal empowerment and safety education program is designed specifically for boys and girls. Two separate classes are available for children ages 5 to 7 and 8 to 10. (Fee: $40.00 per child.) Each child can return and practice free of charge until their 11th birthday. For further information and to make reservations contact Officer Cindy Ceron at (949) 824-0073 or visit www.police.uci.edu.
Websites
All About Kids Online
http://www.aakp.com
Finding Your Dr. Spock
http://www.MJBovo.com/Spock.htm
Kids Health
http://www.kidshealth.org
National Parent Information Network
http://www.fcps.net/fcs/default.asp?prcItem=160
Parent & Baby on Campus
Helpful on campus resources and accommodations that will make parent and baby more comfortable on campus.
Baby Changing Stations
Administrative Building
Men's and Women's Restroom, First Floor
Bren Events Center
Men's and Women's Restroom, Concourse Level
Winifred Smith Hall
Women's Restroom
Health Education Center, G319 (3rd fl. Student Center)
Unisex Restroom
Humanities Hall
Women's Restroom, First Floor
Rowland Hall
Women's Restroom, First Floor
Science Library
Women's Restroom, First Floor
Lactation Stations & Refrigeration
The Health Education Center is proud to offer a lactation station for the campus community. This is a quiet, comfortable, secure room where moms can breastfeed or pump for their child. Refrigeration for pumped milk is also available. A diaper changing station is located adjacent to the space. In addition, we have informational resources on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Learn more about Lactation Accommodation Act at UCI. Please call in advance and make arrangements with department if interested in utilizing services.
Campus Resource |
Contact # |
Lactation Accommodation* |
Refrigeration Available |
Child Care Services |
949-UCI-2100 |
Yes |
No |
Health Education Center |
949-UCI-WELL |
Yes |
Yes |
McGaugh Hall, Rm 1241 |
N/A |
Yes |
No |
UCI Health Education is not responsible for the services of the above resources. The above list is intended to be a beginning guide for your decision-making. We encourage you to utilize your rights as a consumer to ask questions about an agency's funding sources, philosophy, and/or continuum of service before proceeding with any course of action. Please check your local telephone directory for additional providers.
Non-Discrimination Statement: The University of California, Irvine is committed to excellence through diversity and provides equal opportunity in its admissions, employment, programs, and services in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.
