In alignment with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 66281.7 of the California Education Code, the University of La Verne is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible environment for pregnant and parenting students. The university provides reasonable pregnancy-related modifications to ensure pregnant or parenting students have equal access to the University’s educational programs.
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.
Modification Request Process
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:
- Notify Accessibility Services as early as possible by submitting an online Request for Reasonable Pregnancy-Related Modifications
- Provide documentation from your healthcare provider indicating your estimated due date, related conditions, any current limitations you are experiencing as a result of your pregnancy and/or related condition that is impacting your education, and suggested modifications. Submitting an online request without documentation will delay the process.
- Engage in the interactive process with Accessibility Serices. Once your online request form is submitted, our office will schedule an intake appointment to continue the process.During the interactive process, Accessibility Services will conduct an individualized assessment based upon the student’s expressed needs and the supporting documentation. Accessibility Services will collaborate with the student- and when appropriate, the faculty- to develop a reasonable modification plan.
- Students who are approved for modifications will receive a letter outlining the approved modifications. Students are required to provide this letter (via email or print) to their faculty members each semester.
- Keep any medical documentation from medical appointments and share it with our office if those appointments interfere with your classes.
- Students should update Accessibility Services if or when their condition changes, so modifications can be adjusted accordingly.
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
- Furniture modifications
- Ability to stand or stretch periodically
- Extended time on exams and quizzes
- Access to lecture recordings
- Flexibility with deadlines
- Alternative assignments
- Rescheduling tests or exams
- 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 and/or exams after recovery (including the possibility of during a future semester)
- Access to clean, private, and secure lactation space
- Ensuring students return to the same academic and extracurricular standing they held prior to any pregnancy or birth-related absence
Note: Students are still required to meet course objectives and demonstrate mastery of material but cannot be penalized for medically necessary absences.