Pregnant and Parenting Student Resources & Policy

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, it is illegal for schools to exclude pregnant students from participating in any part of an educational program. Therefore, Naropa University, its employees and pregnant students will follow the protocols and procedures set forth in this policy below and this policy shall be incorporated herein and as applicable to the Student Handbook, Employee Handbook and Faculty Handbook.

As required under Title IX, a pregnant or parenting student seeking academic accommodations is required to provide medical information outlining the need for accommodation before such accommodations will be considered and/or granted. Such documentation should be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator and include information from a treating physician regarding the type of accommodations needed. Naropa requires pregnant students or students who have given birth within the past six (6) months to submit medical certification for school participation if the student is requesting assistance/accommodations. Pregnant or parenting students who may need accommodations are encouraged to meet with the Title IX Coordinator.

Faculty are not permitted to grant pregnancy accommodations without notice of approval and needed accommodation from the Title IX Coordinator. NOTE that while it may seem obvious that a student is pregnant, as with disability accommodations, Naropa will not assume a medical condition or offer academic services without proper documentation provided to and approval granted by the Title IX Coordinator.

In accordance with the Student Pregnancy Policy outlined by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Naropa must excuse a student’s absence because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary. In addition, when a student returns to school, the student must be allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before the medical leave began. Students in internship or practicum during pregnancy may face unique challenges regarding attendance and the ability to be absence from the internship site. Pregnant and parenting students who are in the midst of internship or practicum should work with their assigned internship/practicum coordinator, academic advisor and the Title IX Coordinator to address challenges unique to the students’ situation.

Naropa cannot and will not require a pregnant student to obtain a doctor’s permission before allowing the student to attend school late in the pregnancy unless the student is asking for assistance. If a faculty member is worried about the health or safety of a student, it is acceptable for the faculty member to inquire about the student’s limitation but only when it pertains to their classroom and the student’s successful completion of the course. Naropa will not require a pregnant student to produce a doctor’s note in order to participate in school or academic activities unless the same requirement to obtain a doctor’s note applies to all students being treated by a doctor.

Gender Equity, Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence:

Naropa will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, misconduct or violence of any form, especially towards pregnant and/or parenting students. Such behavior is in violation of Naropa’s Gender Equity, Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence Policy and Procedure. Please refer to www.naropa.edu/gender-equity for more information.

Accommodations:

With proper documentation, students who are pregnant or have given birth within six (6) months will be entitled to accommodations. The accommodations vary pertaining to the type of pregnancy, medical documentation, as well as the academic program in which the student is enrolled. To ensure a pregnant student’s access to their education, when necessary, the University’s faculty and staff must make modifications that are reasonable and responsive to the student’s temporary pregnancy status. For example, allow for frequent trips to the water fountain or bathroom, or modify seating arrangements as necessary including providing student with a larger desk.

In addition to allowing a pregnant student to attend classes, Naropa will make allowances for extra-curricular activities. The pregnant student will have the ability to participate in student groups and other school-sponsored activities.

Title IX requires Naropa to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, with medical approval. Naropa may offer the student alternatives to making up missed work such as retaking a semester, taking a leave of absence or allowing the student additional time in a program to continue at the same pace and finish at a later date. The Title IX Coordinator and the students’ Academic Advisor will meet with the student to discuss options available to the student based on the students’ current status and program requirements. Internship or practicum coordinators will be involved in outlining options for students in internship or practicum at the time of their leave. While Naropa staff will outline options for the student the student shall decide what option best fits their needs.

Faculty that have their own policies about class attendance and make-up work must make sure their policies do not conflict with Title IX. Naropa must ensure that the policies and practices of individual teachers do not discriminate against pregnant students. For example, a faculty member may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a deadline that was missed because of absences due to pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, if a teacher’s grading is based in part on class attendance or participation, the student should be allowed to earn the credits missed so that the student can be reinstated to the status they had before the leave. Faculty and staff must be aware of and follow Title IX requirements and are encouraged to work with the Title IX Coordinator to discuss any concerns.

Faculty and staff must refer any student seeking accommodations due to pregnancy or parenting to the Title IX Coordinator.