Pregnant and Parenting

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.

You may not anticipate any academic needs associated with your pregnancy, however, your needs may change as your pregnancy progresses. Disclosure of your condition early in the pregnancy will help in making the planning process more proactive. Open communication between you, your instructors and the Disability Services Staff (DSS) will be important so that appropriate academic adjustments and/or accommodations can be made throughout the pregnancy and recovery period.

1. Communicate with your instructors. You are responsible for communicating with your instructors about your pregnancy or related condition. You will be referred to DSS regarding appropriate documentation and to assess your current needs.
2. Documentation. You will be asked to provide a doctor’s note that includes your due date and any limitations related to your condition. This information needs to be provided to the disability services office, NOT your instructor. It will be kept confidential. You may also be asked to provide a doctor’s release to resume classes.
3. Identify needs and determine accommodations. The DSS will meet with you to discuss your specific situation and determine whether any accommodations are needed. Adjustments/accommodations 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.

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.

Leave of Absence Procedures

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. Making up work may mean completing the assignments during the semester, or you may need to take an incomplete and complete the assignments later.

Yes, as long as 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.

Not necessarily; discussion will need to occur between you, your instructor and the Disability Services Staff (DSS) to determine options for your unique situation.

Maternity leave is not a medical necessity. Your absences and recovery time is excused as long as your doctor deems them medically necessary.

Yes. Lactation rooms are available on each campus. Please see DSS for your location.

Lactation Support Procedure

DSS will complete an accommodation letter with you and send it to you instructors.

Notify the DSS and your instructors.