Pregnant and Parenting Student Policy and Accommodation Process

Policy Number: #600

Responsible Executive(s):

  • Salvador Aceves

Responsible Office(s):

  • Equal Opportunity and Title IX, Human Resources

Date Revised: 12-02-2021

A. Purpose

Regis University (“Regis”) is committed to creating and maintaining a non-discriminatory learning environment for all students. This policy is intended to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. Title IX includes prohibiting discrimination against students on the basis of pregnancy and parenting. Through the Office of Human Resources, Regis has a Title IX Office with a designated a Title IX Coordinator who is responsible for policy and process facilitation and monitoring:

Title IX Coordinator
Kassandra Alberico
Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator
titleix@regis.edu

B. Scope

This Policy applies to student participation in all aspects of the University’s education programs and activities.

C. The Policy

Discrimination against any student, or the exclusion of any student from participation in any part of a University education program or activity, on the basis of a student’s pregnancy or parental status is prohibited. These educational programs and activities include, but are not limited to, classes, extracurricular activities, athletic programs, internships, fellowships, clinics, and labs. In this policy,

“Pregnant“ means pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy,.

“Parenting” means recovery from any of the above conditions, breast feeding and pumping. Pregnant and parenting students are entitled to reasonable accommodations under the following circumstances:

    1. When necessary to ensure pregnant and parenting student access to an educational program or activity, the University must make reasonable adjustments responsive to a student’s pregnancy or parenting status. These adjustments may include providing modification to the physical environment (such as accessible seating), appropriate restroom breaks, or mobility support (such as temporary access to elevators).
    2. Any special services, exceptions, or assistance provided to students with temporary medical conditions must also be provided to pregnant or parenting students.
    3. A pregnant or parenting student will only be required to obtain the certification of a physician that the student is physically and emotionally able to participate in an educational program or activity when such certification is required of all students for other physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician. For example, a student who has been hospitalized for childbirth will not be required to submit a medical certificate to return from leave unless a certificate is required of students who have been hospitalized for other physical conditions.
    4. The University may provide pregnant or parenting students with information or instructions of any health risks of participating in an educational program or activity, only if a description of those risks will also be provided to non-pregnant or parenting students.

D. Requesting Pregnant and Parenting Related Accomodations

    1. Disclosure of pregnant or parenting status is voluntary, and it is the pregnant or parenting student’s obligation to disclose and affirmatively seek any necessary accommodations and adjustments. Once a student discloses pregnant or parenting status, the University will collaborate with the student to develop an appropriate plan for continuation of the student’s education.
    2. A student seeking pregnant or parenting related accommodations or adjustments should contact the Title IX Coordinator and complete the Pregnant and Parenting Accommodation Request Form found on the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Webpage.
    3. The Title IX Coordinator will request a letter from the student’s physician providing dates on which the student’s attendance must be excused and a statement that the absences are medically necessary.
    4. The Title IX Coordinator will work with the student and any faculty members to create a plan for completion of course work and continuation of the student’s education. Individual plans may be adjusted as circumstances change.
    5. Disability accommodations are separate and apart from pregnant and parenting accommodations. Disability accommodations can be requested through the Student Disability Services and University Testing:

Student Disability Services and University Testing
Clarke Hall 241

303.458.4941
disability@regis.edu

https://www.regis.edu/academics/student-success/disability-testing-services

E. Related Policy or Rights Violations

Violations of this policy or any rights associated with it should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator. More information regarding the policy and process for violations can be found in the Regis Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation Policy. Reports can be made to the Title IX Coordinator in several ways:

Equal Opportunity and Title IX Website

Bias Incident Reporting Form

By mail or in person:
3333 Regis Boulevard B-4
Main Hall 204
Denver, CO 80221-1099

By phone: 303-964-6435

By E-mail: titleix@regis.edu

F. Promulgation

This Policy is promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681, et seq., and its implementing regulations.

G. Amendments, Interpretation, or Termination of this Policy

This policy does not constitute a contract and should not be construed to create any contractual rights. Regis University reserves the right to modify, amend, or terminate this policy at any time.