Policy & Procedures for Students Experiencing Pregnancy, Parenting, and Related Conditions

  • Policy Type: Student Services 
  • Policy Title: Policy & Procedures for Students Experiencing Pregnancy, Parenting, and Related Conditions
  • Policy Number: NA
  • Office Responsible: Student Services, Human Resources
  • Related Policies: Title IX Policy & Procedures
  • Related Procedures: NA
  • Related Laws: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
  • HLC Criterion: NA

I. Policy Statement
Pursuant to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, OCC does not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity on the basis of a student’s pregnancy, child birth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery program unless a student reports voluntarily requests to participate in a separate portion of the program or activity. Title IX Policy and Procedures.

II. Procedure
As noted above, any student experiencing pregnancy, or a pregnancy related condition, can reach out to the Title IX Coordinator for support and/or accommodations.  If a student reports a pregnancy or pregnancy related condition to a faculty or staff member, the student must be informed of the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.  The staff or faculty member should ask the student if they would like the Title IX Office to be notified. If the answer is yes, the faculty or staff member must notify the Title IX Office.  If notified, the Title IX Office will reach out to the student and provide appropriate resources.

Available support:

Disability Services:  
For students:  ACCESS Office & Disability Services for students

And the Dean of Academic Support Services, Bethany Kennedy

III. Academic Support
If a student experiencing pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions needs academic support, including but not limited to, a larger desk, parking help, rescheduling of exams, faculty/staff and/or Title IX Coordinator will assist to help make the student’s educational environment accommodating.

IV. Pregnancy Related Absences
Pregnancy and/or pregnancy related conditions can sometimes impact attendance and coursework completion.  Pregnant students have the right to pregnancy related absences and medical appointments should be allowed as excused absences.  A student cannot be penalized for pregnancy and/or pregnancy related conditions.  For example, if a faculty member provides “points” for class attendance, the pregnant student must be given the opportunity to earn back the credits from the classes they missed due to pregnancy and/or pregnancy related conditions.

The Office of Civil Rights has outlined several requirements for pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, which may include, but not be limited to, the following examples:

      • Confirmed participation in classes and other activities during pregnancy;
      • Reasonable adjustments for pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions and recovery period for as long as medical doctor deems necessary;
      • The ability to return to the same academic status as before the medical leave began; and,
      • The opportunity to make-up missed work due to pregnancy and/or pregnancy related conditions.

V. Right to Privacy
OCC is committed to keeping student information private.  Information concerning pregnancy and/or pregnant related conditions will only be shared on a “needs-to-know” basis or if there is a legitimate need to know.  Information regarding pregnant students’ requests for accommodations will only be shared with faculty and staff to the extent necessary to provide reasonable adjustments or modifications.  See FERPA.

VI. Lactation Spaces
Lactation rooms are available 

VII. Reporting a Concern
To report a concern about discrimination or harassment based on pregnancy or related conditions, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

VIII. Other Resources
See Non-discrimination & anti-harassment policy -  Filing an External Discrimination and/or Harassment Complaint.

Change Log
08-01-24 Effective Date