Pregnancy Accommodations

A student who is, or becomes, pregnant or has a related condition is strongly encouraged to notify the Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible. By doing so, the student and the Title IX Coordinator can collaborate and develop an appropriate plan for the continuation of the student’s education in light of the unique nature of the University’s programs and requirements, as well as particular challenges the student may face while pregnant or while experiencing a pregnancy related condition.

If a University employee is informed of a student’s pregnancy or related condition by a student or a person who has a legal right to act on behalf of the student, the employee must provide the student or the student’s representative with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information for further assistance.

Pregnancy/Parenting Accommodation Request Form

The University will not require students to submit supporting documentation, unless the documentation is necessary and reasonable for the University to determine the reasonable modifications to make, or whether to take additional, specific actions. Situations where supporting documentation is not necessary may include, but are not limited to, when the student’s need for a specific action is obvious; when the student has previously provided the University with sufficient supporting documentation; when the reasonable modification at issue is allowing a student to carry or keep water nearby and drink, use a bigger desk, sit or stand, or take breaks to eat, drink, or use the restroom; when the student has lactation needs; or when the requested action is available to other students for reasons other than pregnancy or related conditions and such students are not required to submit supporting documentation.

Additionally, the University will not require a student who is pregnant or has a related condition to provide certification from a healthcare provider or any other person that the student is physically able to participate in the University’s class, program, or extracurricular activity unless:

• The certified level of physical ability or health is necessary for the student’s participation in the class, program, or extracurricular activity;
• The University requires such certification of all students participating in the class, program, or extracurricular activity; and
• The information obtained is not used as a basis for discrimination.

Options After Student Pregnancy Disclosure

Once a student has voluntarily disclosed a pregnancy or related condition to the University, the student has the following options:

Continue in the Program

• If a student decides to continue in the program and desires to have any modifications to the University’s education programs and activities due to the pregnancy or related condition, the student should contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss any reasonable modifications (see below) that may be necessary for the student to continue in the program.
• The University will also allow a student to voluntarily access any separate and comparable portion of the University’s education program or activity.

Voluntary Leave of Absence

• Students have the option to take a leave of absence due to pregnancy or related condition. However, such a leave of absence is not required. Should a student choose to take a leave of absence, a student is permitted to do so based on the medical recommendation of the student’s licensed healthcare provider.
• A leave of absence due to pregnancy or related condition may be for various amounts of time depending on a student’s particular circumstances and the period deemed medically necessary by the student’s licensed healthcare provider. Such a leave may be extended if deemed medically necessary by the student’s licensed healthcare provider.
• Students are encouraged to communicate with faculty and supervisors regarding plans for leave to ensure a smooth return to campus.
• International students are further encouraged to contact their international advisor immediately, as a leave could require the student to leave the country.
• When a student returns from a leave of absence, the student will be reinstated to the same academic status and, where applicable, extracurricular status, that the student held prior to their leave of absence. This includes the opportunity to make up any work the student missed while on leave.

Withdraw from the University

• The student may, in their sole discretion, determine that they must withdraw from the University for an indefinite period or permanently due to their pregnancy or related condition. Existing University withdrawal procedures, and readmission procedures (if applicable) apply.

Reasonable Modifications

Reasonable modifications for pregnancy or related conditions will be provided to students based on their individualized needs. Such reasonable modifications will be identified through an interactive process with the student; however, a modification is not reasonable if it fundamentally alters the nature of the University’s education program or activity.

Reasonable modifications may include, but are not limited to:

• Breaks during class to attend to any necessary medical or lactation needs
• Access to online education
• Excused absences to attend medical appointments
• Schedule or course changes
• Test rescheduling
• Time extensions for coursework
• Counseling
• Physical space or supply changes
• Elevator access
• Other appropriate policy, practice, or procedure modifications

The Lactation Room at Northwest Missouri State can be found on the 3rd floor of Administration Hall and in the Fine Arts Building.  Students needing to use the lactation spaces will need to contact Human Resources to schedule their access.