The Alma Mater Fund, an initiative of SPUC Scotland, which provides support to pregnant and parenting students, has stressed that “support is available” after a UK university was accused of discriminating against pregnant students.

A mum to be who is studying at the University of Hull claimed that the University had little facilities in place to support pregnant or parenting students. The student said that the university assumed she would be suspending her studies due to her pregnancy and referred her to the disability service team.

“Nothing in place to support pregnant students”

The student, who is in her third year of study, said that her pregnancy was unexpected, however she was keen to continue with her studies and raise the child with her partner. She described how the University of Hull had “nothing in place” to support expecting students.

She said: “This is rather discriminatory and I think makes it clear that students with families will not be supported by the university… The university has no family accommodation, despite spending over £300m on new accommodation that includes townhouses…

“As a pregnant student, I have very quickly realised that the university has nothing in place to support a student in this situation. There is no information on their website about students with children or pregnancy with students.

“They offer no financial support and the on-campus nursery is over £50 a day, which will not be covered by the Government as students are not entitled to benefits.

“They do not allow you to bring babies into lectures and are not breastfeeding friendly.”

“Pregnancy does not have to be the end of an academic journey”

Margaret Akers, Alma Mater Fund Coordinator said: “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Many universities offer little support for pregnant and parenting students to continue their studies.

“An NUS report found that 60% of student parents had considered dropping out of their course. That's why it is so important to affirm and support pregnant and parenting students.

“Pregnancy does not have to be the end of an academic journey. With the right support a woman can achieve the best for herself and her child.”

“It is vital that pregnant and parenting students are aware of the help and support that is available to them.”

Applying for the Alma Mater Fund

University students who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy are eligible to apply for The Alma Mater Fund. The Alma Mater Fund can provide financial grants to students to support them in pursuing their academic and personal goals. 

The sum granted to students will be decided on an individual basis depending on their situation.

To apply for the grant, and to speak to the Alma Mater Fund coordinator a student can:

Call, text, or WhatsApp 07849 088 244

Email :info@almamaterfund.org.uk 

Message on Facebook @almamaterfund

If you would like to donate towards The Alma Mater Fund to support pregnant students and their children please contact: info@almamaterfund.org.uk