Student Involvement
Parent Scholars
Resources and services that support the success and empowerment of students who are
parents and caretakers for children under the age of 18
Parent Scholars
Resources and services that support the success and empowerment of students who are parents and caretakers for children under the age of 18
Rights and Policies
A new addition to your family or the responsibility of being a parent or caretaker does not impact the support you receive.
Under Title IX, sex discrimination – including discrimination on the basis of a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these – is prohibited in educational programs and activities. Fresno State does not exclude or limit the participation of pregnant students (or students who have been pregnant) in its programs on either of those bases. No rule may be established in a Fresno State sponsored activity or program related to a student’s parental, family or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex.
- Assistance for pregnant students, just as any other temporary medical condition, is available through Title IX in USU 316 and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in Library 1202. To receive accommodations, complete the Student Pregnancy Accommodation Form.
- Nutritional assistance for families may be available to you through CalFresh and California Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
- Income tax credits may be applicable to your family, including the California Earned Income Tax Credit and the Young Child Tax Credit.
Programs and Services
Our campus offers a number of programs listed below that support the familial, wellbeing and development needs of parent scholars. For questions or suggestions, please email parentscholars@mail.fresnostate.edu.
Early Registration
Student parents will be required to self-certify in order to receive early registration
beginning with enrollment in spring 2024.
Medical Leave and Absences
Absences due to pregnancy and related events are excused by the University for as
long as medically necessary, as deemed by the student's doctor. Upon return, the student
is regarded with the same status as before the medical leave began. An opportunity
will be given to make up work or exams missed while on leave.
Nursing and Lactation
New mothers are afforded reasonable break periods during Fresno State programs or
activities; including classes, to express milk or nurse as needed without penalty.
The University is committed to providing students and employees with reasonable breaks
and private areas for expression in both women's and men's restrooms around campus.
Diapers and Hygiene
The Amendola Family Student Cupboard in Industrial Technology, Room 144 is a free
food and hygiene pantry for current Fresno State students. Baby wipes (2 packs per
month), 0-6 sized diapers (125 per month), soaps, shampoos and milk are frequently
available for free. If applicable, CalFresh assistance is also offered through this
program.
Learning and Development
The University offers three centers that provide services for infants and toddlers
(3 months to 2 years), preschool (3 to 6 years) and elementary (5 to 12 years) in
partnership with the larger community to provide opportunities that will benefit young
children and families.
Extracurricular Activities
The University offers a variety of educational and athletic programming for children
throughout the community. Visit the link below for a list of enriching programs for
the youth.