Under Title IX, students can request excused absences and/or other academic adjustments due to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery. Students are responsible to (1) inform their instructor and (2) submit a Pregnant and Parenting Self-Identification form form.
A student requesting accommodations, adjustments, or excused absences related to pregnancy will need to provide medical documentation. This documentation must include dates for excused absences, and/or other related information to support the need for adjustment or accommodations.
Some possible academic adjustments could include:
- Excused absences or medical leave that may be medically necessary for pregnancy or related circumstances
- Opportunity to make up any missed assignments, exams, such as extensions of due dates or rescheduling of tests
- Breaks during class
- Changes in schedule
Requests will be evaluated and decisions made according to Title IX requirements and guidelines. To the extent possible, students should be returned to the same position of academic progress that they were in when they took leave or other academic adjustments.
Instructors should discuss with the student their available options and provide the opportunity to make up missed work when possible. Extended deadlines, makeup assignments, and incomplete grades may be appropriate with proper approvals.
Please note that routine childcare is not covered by Title IX pregnancy and parenting adjustments.