Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes pregnancy, parenting, and all related conditions, in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. Pregnant and parenting students must have the same access to programs and educational opportunities that other students have. If pregnant and parenting students need particular special services or reasonable adjustments to help them complete their coursework or program, the college is required to accommodate them.
Reasonable accommodations are provided for pregnant and parenting students who request support by contacting the colleges’ Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Jo Ann Jenkins by email or phone at (708) 974-5277.
Specific accommodations will vary; however, Title IX covers the following circumstances:
- Your instructors are required to excuse your absences because of pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, for as long as your doctor states that the absences are medically necessary. When you return to school, you must be reinstated to the status you held before your leave.
- If your instructors grade you in part on class attendance or participation, you will not be penalized for the time you are absent. You will be allowed to make up the attendance/participation points you did not have the chance to earn. Contact your instructors and have a conversation with them about how to make up the points you missed.
- The college will provide pregnant students with reasonable adjustments and any special services it provides to students who have temporary medical conditions. These adjustments and special services include a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing you to make frequent trips to the restroom without penalty. If you need accommodations your instructor can provide, such as the ability to make frequent trips to the restroom, please have a conversation with your instructor about your needs and provide a note from your doctor. If you are not sure how to approach your instructor, a counselor can help you. If you need special services, such as elevator access, please contact the Counseling Center. A counselor will facilitate the process necessary for you to receive special services.
- If an absence is medically necessary for your child, you must be allowed to miss class and be given options to complete the missed work. Please talk to your instructor about the necessity of your absence and provide a doctor’s note for your child’s visit.
- If you are a student athlete, you must be allowed to participate in your sport according to Title IX laws. If you need special services or accommodations to continue to participate in your sport as a pregnant or parenting student, please have a conversation with your head coach. You also may talk to the Title IX coordinator or counselor.
- While the physical demands of a pregnancy and the social expectations of parenting differ between the genders, there may be times that a male student may need accommodations because of a pregnancy or a child’s illness. If you feel you need accommodations as a male student who is parenting or has a pregnant partner, please discuss your needs with your instructors. You also may speak to the Title IX Coordinator or counselor.
- The college requires students with other medical conditions to submit a doctor’s note and will require the same from a pregnant/parenting student seeking reasonable adjustments or special services.
- Students who feel they are being discriminated against or who have been harassed by other students, staff or faculty due to pregnancy should seek help immediately from the Title IX Coordinator.
If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact:
Dr. Jo Ann Jenkin
Dean of Student Success
Telephone: (708) 974-5277
jenkinsj52@morainevalley.edu
