Your Rights
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex — including pregnancy, parenting and all related conditions — in education and in programs and activities that receive federal funding. This means persons who are pregnant “actual or potentially” cannot be treated differently from other persons who are able to unable to participate in an educational program or activity.
Educational Programs or Activities Include:
- Class Attendance
- Must be allowed the opportunity to attend classes regardless of pregnancy or parenting status.
- Excused Absences
- Absences due to pregnancy or childbirth must be excused as long as it is deemed medically necessary by the treating physician. Documentation should be provided to the Title IX Office. See Title IX registration and request for accommodations
- Make-up work
- Tutoring or other accommodations
- Access to lactation centers
- Scholarships
- Financial Aid
Tools for Developing an Academic Plan
Academic Plan
The Title IX Office has been in contact with your professor(s) informing them of your accommodations due to pregnancy and/or related conditions. When the letter is provided to your professor(s) you will also receive a copy.
This is a good time to talk with your professor about your academic plan. The academic plan should include your anticipated absences, course material completion, setting reasonable deadlines to complete missed work due to medically necessary leave, and preferred communication when missing class due to medical appointments or illnesses related to pregnancy.
Absences Prior to Delivery
It is important to set aside some time to review your syllabus and approaching deadlines with your professor. Your professor should help you understand what material you should focus on, how they will communicate with you when you return from your medically necessary leave, and expectations for communication.
Absences after Delivery
Two weeks before the end of your medically necessary leave, contact the Title IX Office with your expected return date. The Title IX Office will assist with communicating with your professors.
Returning to Class
At the end of your medically necessary leave please plan to meet with your professor to discuss new deadlines for making up any missed assignments, test, or quizzes.
