Pregnancy & Parenting

Where can I go to request pregnancy-related accommodations or learn more about resources available for pregnant or parenting students?
You can contact the Title IX Office by:

• Calling the Title IX Coordinator at 585-594-6222
• Stopping by the Title IX Office located in lower Rinker, Office 122
• Email at titleix@roberts.edu

What other offices or resources are available for pregnant or parenting students?
While the Title IX Office primarily oversees pregnancy accommodations, there are other offices on campus where pregnant students can find support and resources.

Director of Access & Accommodations
Golisano Library, Learning Center
Rhonda Lanni
P: 585-594-6270
E: Lanni_rhonda@roberts.edu

Wellness Center
Voller Athletic Center, Suite 231
P: 585-594-6360
E:wellnesscenter@roberts.edu

Can a university employee discriminate against me because I am or was pregnant?
No. The Department of Education’s regulations implementing Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions.  More specifically, it prohibits a university from applying any rule related to a student’s parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex.

If I feel I’m being discriminated against because I’m pregnant, is that Title IX?
Yes. Title IX prohibits harassment of students based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions. Harassing conduct can take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling, graphic and written statements, and other conduct that may be humiliating or physically threatening or harmful.

Particular actions that could constitute prohibited harassment include making sexual comments or jokes about a student’s pregnancy, calling a pregnant student sexually charged names, spreading rumors about her sexual activity, and making sexual propositions or gestures. Universities must take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end pregnancy related harassment, prevent its recurrence, and eliminate any hostile environment created by the harassment.

The university violates Title IX if sexual harassment or other pregnancy-related harassment by employees, students, or third parties is sufficiently serious that it interferes with a student’s ability to benefit from or participate in the school’s program, and the harassment is encouraged, tolerated, not adequately addressed, or ignored by school employees.

If you feel that you are subject to harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy please contact the Title IX Coordinator directly so that the university may address the issue. 

May the university require a pregnant student to participate in a separate program for pregnant students?
No. Any such requirement would violate Title IX. The university may provide information to its students about the availability of an alternative program or course, but it may not pressure a pregnant student to attend that program. A pregnant student must be allowed to remain in their regular classes and school if they so choose.

Do I need to inform the university of my pregnancy status?
No. You only need to inform the university of your pregnancy status if you are seeking academic accommodations related to pregnancy. If you are seeking accommodations please contact the Title IX office for more information and assistance.

Are my absences from class due to pregnancy or childbirth excused?
The University will excuse your absences from class for pregnancy or childbirth, for the period during which your doctor deems medically necessary.  When you return to school, you will be reinstated to the status you held when you left and given the opportunity to make up missed work.  You may choose how you want to make up the missed work.

• Retaking the semester
• Taking an online course to recover credits
• Taking additional time in the program to continue at the same pace or finish at a later date
• Rescheduling of tests or exams 

What if some professors have their own policies about class attendance and make-up work?
If your grade is based in part on class attendance or participation, you must be given the opportunity to earn back the credits you missed due to medically necessary pregnancy or childbirth absences,  so that you are reinstated to the status you held before your absences.  

Every university that receives federal financial assistance is bound by the Title IX regulations. Universities must ensure that the policies and practices of individual professors do not discriminate against pregnant students. For example, a professor may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a deadline that she missed because of absences due to pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, if a professor’s grading is based in part on class attendance or participation, the student should be allowed to earn the credits she missed so that she can be reinstated to the status she had before the leave. The university should ensure that professors and staff are aware of and follow Title IX requirements.

What if my professor refuses my accommodation?
Reasonable accommodations cannot be refused based on individual faculty policies or university policies that indiscriminately prescribe attendance without pregnancy, disability, or medical condition consideration.  If you are denied a pregnancy or childbirth accommodation by your professor, you are encouraged to speak with the Department Chair or Dean.  

If your concern is not satisfactorily resolved by the Department Chair or Dean or if you do not feel comfortable addressing the concern with the Department Chair or Dean, you may contact the Title IX Coordinator to seek an appropriate resolution.

What about internships, career rotations, or other off-campus academic requirements of my program?
If your program requires an internship or other opportunity to “work in the field”, you cannot be denied participation based on your pregnancy.  You may be required to submit a doctor’s note for continued participation, if required for all students who have other medical conditions.

Are there lactation/nursing rooms on campus?
Yes. For students, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Director of Access and Accommodations.  For employees, contact the Office of Human Resources for more information.