Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Newborn-Parenting Students
McKendree University supports students experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, as well as students who are parents. Contact us to discuss your needs, understand your rights, and explore available assistance.
On this page:
- Your Rights
- Academic Support and Leave
- Request Support
- Breastfeeding and Lactation
- International Students
Your Rights
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from these conditions. These protections apply to classes, admissions, athletics, extracurricular activities, and other University programs.
Students may continue participating in University programs during pregnancy. The University may require medical certification of a student's ability to participate only when comparable certification is required for other physical or emotional conditions requiring a physician's attention.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination or retaliation for requesting assistance or exercising your rights, contact one of the University's Title IX Officers.
Academic Support and Leave
Students should not be excluded from educational opportunities because of pregnancy-related conditions. Depending on the circumstances and applicable requirements, academic arrangements may include:
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- Opportunities to make up work missed during medically necessary absences.
- Adjusted assignment deadlines or rescheduled examinations.
- Alternative arrangements for missed participation or attendance-based work.
- Other adjustments appropriate to the student's documented needs.
When a student does not qualify for leave under an existing University leave policy, Title IX requires leave for pregnancy-related conditions for the period the student's physician determines medically necessary. After that leave, the student must be reinstated to the status held when the leave began.
Pregnancy-related medical or hospital benefits, services, plans, and policies offered by the University must be provided on the same basis as those for other temporary disabilities. Pregnancy-related impairments may also qualify for disability-related accommodations.
Discuss arrangements with the University as early as practical. Before taking leave or changing enrollment, ask how the change may affect financial aid, housing, athletics eligibility, or immigration status.
Request Support
To request assistance, complete the Pregnant and Newborn-Parenting Absence and Accommodation Reporting/Request Form or contact Accessibility Services.
Carol Erickson
Accessibility Services
caerickson@mckendree.edu
You may also contact one of the University's Title IX Officers with questions about your rights or assistance accessing support.
Documentation may be requested when appropriate to evaluate a particular absence, leave, or accommodation request. Contact Accessibility Services to discuss what information is needed and how to submit it.
You do not need to file a discrimination complaint to request assistance.
Breastfeeding and Lactation
A designated lactation room is located on the lower level of Holman Library. Contact Accessibility Services or library staff for current access information or to discuss lactation-related scheduling or access needs.
International Students
International students should contact their Designated School Official (F-1) or program sponsor's Responsible Officer (J-1) before dropping courses, reducing enrollment, or taking leave.
Pregnancy-related medical circumstances may qualify for an authorized reduction in course load, subject to the documentation and approval requirements applicable to the student's immigration status. F-1 and J-1 requirements differ. Approval of an academic arrangement does not replace required immigration authorization.
If you are unsure whom to contact, a Title IX Officer can help connect you with the appropriate University staff.
