Basic Rights for Pregnant Students

  • Pregnant students have equal access to classes and activities. They are entitled to academic adjustments for pregnancy and childbirth.
  • The school/department must excuse student absences and reschedule exams due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as a student’s doctor says is necessary. 
  • When a student returns, the student’s school/department must allow the student to return to the same academic and extracurricular status student had before they left.
  • The school/department cannot make a student take time off if the student doesn’t want to.
  • The school/department cannot exclude a student from a special program because the student is pregnant.

Classes and Coursework

  • The school/department cannot make a student change their major or degree program because the student is pregnant or parenting. They also cannot force a student to attend an alternate program, like an evening program. 
  • Faculty and staff should not ask the student for documentation. A student should work directly with the Title IX Coordinator for assistance.

School Activities and Extracurriculars

A pregnant student can take part in activities for as long as they want. The school/department cannot stop a student from joining clubs, going to events, or participating in research unless the same rules apply for all students who have a temporary medical condition.

Support and Adjustments

  • Reasonable adjustments to support a student during their pregnancy can include, but is not limited to a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing a student to make frequent trips to the restroom, when necessary.
  • Excused Absences are required for as long as a doctor says it is necessary.
  • Faculty and staff may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a missed deadline because of pregnancy or childbirth. If grading is based in part on class participation or attendance the student should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits they didn’t have the chance to earn.
  • Special services provided to students with temporary medical conditions will be granted to pregnant students. This includes homebound instruction/at-home tutoring/independent study.

EFFECTIVE DATE
July 31, 2024

LAST UPDATED DATE
August 1, 2024

APPROVING OFFICE
Executive