University Policies

Pregnant and Parenting Students Policy

Approval Date: October 1, 2024
Approved By: President

POLICY STATEMENT 

Pursuant to Title IX requirements, pregnant students at Western Illinois University will be allowed reasonable adjustments to classroom and course experiences due to pregnancy. For the full definition of Title IX, please visit the Department of Education's website.

PURPOSE

The purpose is to provide all pregnant and parenting students reasonable adjustments to courses and classroom instruction.

SCOPE (WHO SHOULD READ THIS POLICY) 

Anyone who provides classroom instruction online or in-person as well as those working in student-facing positions for the University should read this policy.

DEFINITIONS 

  • Reasonable Adjustments: Students have the right to reasonable adjustments, such as a larger desk, elevator access, or allowing frequent trips to the restroom when necessary because of pregnancy.

POLICY

Under Title IX, the university “shall not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of such student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery therefrom, unless the student requests voluntarily to participate in a separate portion of the program or activity of the recipient.” 34 C.F.R. § 106.40.

Students seeking pregnancy-related support should contact the Student Development and Success Center (SDSC). SDSC staff meets with students to communicate the rights of students, to discuss and assist with adjustments or modifications based on pregnancy, childbirth, lactation-related health needs, or related conditions, and to connect students with campus resources.

SDSC will send letters of notification to professors upon the student’s request regarding extended and/or multiple absences and reasonable adjustments due to pregnancy.

STUDENT RIGHTS
Classes and School Activities

Students have the right to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities while pregnant, without requiring a doctor’s note unless a doctor’s note is required from all students who have a physical or emotional condition requiring treatment by a doctor. A doctor’s note after hospitalization for childbirth may not be required unless a doctor’s note is required from all students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.

The University’s policy on class attendance can be found here.

Excused Absences 

Pregnant or parenting students have the right to excused absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the doctor deems it medically necessary. Students are allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before the medical leave began, which should include the opportunity to make up any work missed while out without penalty.

Incompletes

If an absence comes at a point in the semester that does not allow the student enough time to complete all coursework before grades are posted, the faculty member should assign an incomplete grade. The student and faculty member should then work together to plan the completion of the coursework per the Incomplete Grade Policy.

Withdrawals

In order to withdraw completely from the University, students must contact the Student Development and Success Center. For additional information, please see the Withdrawal from Courses or University Policy.

Students may also refer to the Refund and Credit Policy.

Filing a Complaint

If a student feels discriminated against because of pregnancy or parenting status, the student may contact the Equal Opportunity and Access Office at (309) 298-1977 or by email at eoa-office@wiu.edu for assistance. Students may also file a complaint by completing the University’s internal Title IX Reporting Form.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Implementation and Enforcement) 

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access is responsible for enforcing, updating, and maintaining this policy. Implementation begins with the Student Development and Success Center.

RESOURCES 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities.