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WesternU / Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity / Pregnancy, Parenting, and Related Conditions

Pregnancy, Parenting, and Related Conditions

Non-Discrimination Statement for Pregnancy and Related Conditions and Parenting Students

WesternU does not discriminate in its education program or activity against any applicant for admission, student, applicant for employment, or employee on the basis of current, potential, or past pregnancy or related conditions as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). WesternU prohibits members of the WesternU community from adopting or implementing any policy, practice, or procedure which treats an applicant for admission, student, applicant for employment, or employee differently on the basis of current, potential, or past parental, family, or marital status.

  • Reasonable Modification

    Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to Reasonable Modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access to the Recipient’s education program and activity. Any student seeking Reasonable Modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss appropriate and available Reasonable Modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request Reasonable Modifications as promptly as possible, although retroactive modifications may be available in some circumstances. Reasonable Modifications are voluntary, and a student can accept or decline the offered Reasonable Modifications. Not all Reasonable Modifications are appropriate for all contexts.

    Reasonable Modifications may include:

    • Breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or related conditions, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom
    • Intermittent absences to attend medical appointments
    • Access to online or homebound education
    • Changes in schedule or course sequence
    • Time extensions for coursework and rescheduling of tests and examinations
    • Allowing a student to sit or stand, or carry or keep water nearby
    • Counseling
    • Changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or a footrest)
    • Elevator access
    • A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment
    • Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures determined by the Title IX Coordinator

    In situations such as clinical rotations, performances, labs, and group work, the institution will work with the student to devise an alternative path to completion, if possible. In progressive curricular and/or cohort-model programs, medically necessary leaves are sufficient cause to permit the student to shift course order, substitute similar courses, or join a subsequent cohort when returning from leave.  Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and WesternU’s support systems to devise a plan for how to best address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on track as efficiently and comfortably as possible. The Title IX Coordinator will assist with plan development and implementation as needed.

    Supporting documentation for Reasonable Modifications will only be required when it is necessary and reasonable under the circumstances to determine which Reasonable Modifications to offer to determine other specific actions to take to ensure equal access.

    Information about pregnant students’ requests for modifications will be shared with faculty and staff only to the extent necessary to provide the Reasonable Modification.

    Students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions that manifest as a temporary disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are eligible for reasonable accommodations just like any other student with a temporary disability. The Title IX Coordinator will consult with The Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (CDHP) to ensure the student receives reasonable accommodations for their disability as required by law.

  • Information for Students

    Harris Family Center for Disability & Health Policy
    309 E. Second Street, Building 30
    Pomona, CA 91766
    (909) 469-5441
    disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu
    CDHP Website

    Information for Employees

    Human Resources Benefits Office
    100 W. Second Street, Second Floor
    Pomona, CA 91766
    (909) 623-6116
    Human Resources Benefits & Services