Pregnant and Parenting Students
Pregnancy
CCC believes in student success and individual attention. We recognize that our students are individuals with individual needs, and we believe in providing comprehensive student support services and promoting student success. We want students to be aware of their rights and responsibilities under Title IX. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs. The law is a key tool for ensuring that all people have an equal opportunity for education, regardless of their sex or gender. Title IX makes it illegal to discriminate because of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion or related conditions, including recovery.
All pregnancy concerns and pregnancy related absences are coordinated by the Disability Services Office. You may not anticipate any academic needs associated with your pregnancy; however, your needs may change as your pregnancy progresses. Accommodations may be approved to support ongoing and/or changing needs. Examples may include, but not be limited to special seating arrangements, breaks, flexible attendance, and early access to and/or extension of assignment or exam dates and time away from classes following delivery for medically-related recovery. Disclosure of your condition early in the pregnancy will help in making the planning process more proactive.
To disclose your pregnancy to ensure proper accommodations and support, please see the process below. You are also welcome to use the contact information toward the end of this page to contact the Disability Services Director on your campus.
Newly Parenting
CCC offers supports to students who are becoming parents through childbirth, adoption and/or foster care placement. Students are encouraged to use the online portal below to request accommodations for childbirth, adoption and foster care placement. Accommodations may be approved to support ongoing and/or changing needs. Examples may include, but are not limited to breaks, flexible attendance, and early access to and/or extension of assignment or exam dates. Students may also call our office directly in the case of emergency placements.
Requesting and Receiving Services
- Student starts the process by applying through our online portal.
- Student uploads appropriate documentation from the treating medical provider and their due date, any restrictions, and any other pertinent information. For adoption or foster care placement, letters from the placement agency, overseeing organization, etc. would be helpful to upload.
- Student schedules an intake interview with disability services that can be done in person, WebEx or by phone.
- Disability Services works together with the student to evaluate needed Title IX accommodations.
- Disability Services communicates with faculty the approved accommodations and assists with implementation and questions related to extensions, approved time out of classes and returning to classes.
The Law and Your Rights
Title IX is federal law that:
- Prohibits discrimination and ensures that all people have an equal opportunity for education, regardless of their sex or gender.
- Makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, abortion or related conditions, including recovery.
- Ensures the right to take medically necessary leave and to be free of harassment or intimidation because of pregnancy-related conditions, including childbirth and recovery.
- Applies in and out of the classroom, including school-sponsored extracurricular activities, internships, athletics, financial aid and scholarships, and lab and clinical work.
- Requires schools to provide pregnant students with services and accommodations equal to those provided to non-pregnant students. Pregnant students may also be eligible for pregnancy-related disability services under the ADA.
Leaves and Absences
Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by your doctor. You will be given the opportunity to make up missed work.
Returning to Class
You are permitted to resume your studies in the same status you had before your absence. You will not be penalized for your absence, and you will be allowed to make up any missed credit, including participation credit, quizzes, papers, or exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my absence excused if my doctor’s appointment conflicts with a scheduled class?
Yes, if the appointment is related to your pregnancy. You are responsible for informing your instructor prior to your appointment. You are encouraged to schedule your appointments at times that do not conflict with your class schedule, whenever possible. If you plan to provide a doctor’s note, it should only be submitted to Disability Services.
Do I need to drop my class if my doctor puts me on bedrest?
Not necessarily, as discussion will need to occur between you and the Disability Services Director to determine options for your unique situation and course load.
Does the college have private rooms where I can take care of lactation needs?
Yes. Lactation rooms are available on each campus and center. Please see the lactation information below or the Disability Services Office for your location.
How will my instructor be notified of my accommodations or adjustments?
The Disability Services Director will complete an accommodation letter with you and send it to you instructors.
Who do I notify if I am absent because of delivery and recovery?
Notify the Disability Services Director and your instructors.
Is a student allowed to bring a child to class?
Unless appropriate to course content, children should not be brought into a class/lab or left unattended elsewhere on campus.
If you need assistance in finding resources related to pregnancy or parenting, please contact your campus CARE Team for support.
Lactation Support Information
Definitions
The terms “breastfeeding students,” “nursing students,” and “lactating students” are used interchangeably and are intended to include any student who expresses milk for the nourishment of their child.
Designated Lactation Spaces
Central Community College shall provide private rooms that are accessible to breastfeeding students. Restrooms may not be classified as designated lactation spaces. The private room/space shall be shielded from view and free from intrusion from the public.
Designated Private Room/Space on Campus
- Columbus – Room 505 (Resource Center)
- Grand Island – Room 202 (Main Campus)
- Hastings – Room E328 (Dawson Building)
In buildings where space is limited and space identified for lactation is designated as a dual-purpose room (e.g., lactation and general College business), the first priority for use of the room/space shall be for the breastfeeding mother. See the Learning Center Manager to identify available room/space.
Private Room/Space at Centers (semi-private)
- Kearney – Room 111
- Lexington – Dual purpose, see Learning Center Manager (Amy Hill: 308-338-4080/ahill@cccneb.edu)
- Holdrege – Dual purpose, see Learning Center Manager (Diana Watson: 308-338-4070/dwatson@cccneb.edu)
- Ord – Dual purpose, see Learning Center Manager (Crystal Ramm: 308-728-3299/crystalramm@cccneb.edu)
Students can utilize designated lactation spaces as needed, as these rooms do not require a key or reservation.
Lactation Breaks
Students
- Students will make reasonable efforts to pump between classes or outside of instruction time.
- Students who need to use the lactation room during a portion of their class period, should register with the Disability Services Office to set up lactation accommodations.
- Instructors and students shall work together to identify solutions for making up in-class work or participation credits, as well as instruction missed.
Complaint Process
Any member of the Central Community College community may report a violation of this procedure to any supervisor, instructor, or Title IX Coordinator. Supervisors and instructors are responsible for promptly forwarding such reports to the Title IX Coordinator.
Christopher Waddle, JD
Title IX/Equity/AA/ADA/504 Coordinator
Division of Human Resources
3134 W Highway 34
Grand Island NE 68802-4903
308-398-7325
cwaddle@cccneb.edu
Disability Services Office Information
Columbus and OrdCoLynn Paprocki, Director |
Grand Island, Kearney and LexingtonKim Ottman, Director |
Hastings and HoldregeShannon Peterson, Director
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