The University of La Verne is committed to fostering a healthy, safe, and inclusive environment for all students, including those who are pregnant or parenting.
Your Rights Under Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex- including pregnancy and parental status. This includes protection from discrimination related to:
- Pregnancy and related medical conditions
- Childbirth and recovery
- Miscarriage, abortion, and recovery from either
Institutions are required to provide reasonable accommodations and academic flexibility to ensure students are not penalized for these circumstances. Students may not be excluded from programs, face academic penalties, or be denied necessary adjustments due to pregnancy or related events.
Documentation and Communication
The University of La Verne supports pregnant and parenting individuals in the same manner as those with temporary medical needs or disabilities. To receive modifications or academic adjustments under Title IX:
- Provide documentation from your healthcare provider supporting your need (e.g., absences, bed rest, delivery, or recovery period).
- Notify Accessibility Services as early as possible so we can coordinate with your instructors and support your academic progress.
- Keep any medical documentation from medical appointments and share it with our office if those appointments interfere with your classes.
Classroom and Campus Modifications
If you’re pregnant or recovering from childbirth, you may be eligible for the following reasonable modifications:
- More frequent bathroom breaks
- The ability to eat during class
- Use of a larger desk
- Ability to stand or stretch periodically
- Extended time on exams and quizzes
- Access to lecture recordings
- Flexibility with deadlines
- Alternative assignments
- Excused absences due to pregnancy- or parenting-related medical needs
- The option to take an incomplete and finish coursework after recovery or care responsibilities
- The option to retake a course or complete assignments during a future semester
Note: Students are still required to meet course objectives and demonstrate mastery of material but cannot be penalized for medically necessary absences.
Leave of Absence
If you need to temporarily pause your studies due to pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting, please contact:
- Your Academic Advisor for academic planning
- Accessibility Services to discuss Title IX protections and possible modifications
Nursing and Lactation Support
The University of La Verne provides supportive lactation resources, including:
- Access to designated lactation spaces during operational hours
- Storage options for breast milk
- Assistance identifying private spaces on campus
For more information, please contact Accessibility Services.
Parking and Transportation
If pregnancy or a related condition affects your mobility, you may qualify for a temporary disabled parking placard. To apply, speak with your medical provider and contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact Campus Safety (909-448-4950) with any questions about on-campus parking access.
Planning for Delivery
If you are anticipating delivery during an academic session, early planning is essential, so we can explore what is reasonably possible within each course as soon as possible.
We can help explore:
- Taking courses in a term that ends before your due date or begins after your recovery
- Completing assignments early
- Taking an incomplete with a plan to finish coursework post-recovery
You cannot be required to complete coursework during your recovery period, but you may choose to do so.
After delivery, you will be asked to provide discharge documentation and work with our team to plan your return to class.
Contact Us
If you are pregnant or parenting and have questions about your rights or would like to request modifications, contact Accessibility Services. We will collaborate with the Title IX Coordinator to ensure you are supported and your rights are upheld.