Approved by:  Vice President of Human Resources

History: August 1, 2019 | August 2020 | January 2026

Related Policies: Title IX Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy (SSC1)

For Questions or Support: 
Access and Success | 651-690-7870 
Student Accessibility & Accommodations | 651-690-6563 
Title IX Coordinator | 651-690-8754

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I. Purpose

St. Catherine University (the “University”) is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to educational programs, services, and activities. This policy affirms the University’s compliance with Title IX and other applicable laws that prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery from pregnancy, or related medical conditions.

This policy is intended to ensure that students who are pregnant, recovering from pregnancy are supported in continuing their education without discrimination. The University will provide reasonable academic flexibility and accommodations, when appropriate, so students may continue to participate fully in academic and campus life. Accommodations are determined on an individualized basis and are provided in the same manner as accommodations for other temporary medical conditions or disabilities.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all students seeking admission to, currently admitted to, or enrolled at St. Catherine University.

III. Policy Statement

The University does not discriminate against any student on the basis of sex, including pregnancy,  parenting status, or related medical conditions. No student shall be excluded from participation in any academic program, activity, service, admission, or employment opportunity based on pregnancy or parenting status.

IV. Academic Support and Flexibility

Course Absences

Absences related to pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery from pregnancy-related conditions may be excused. Depending on the course format or instructional requirements (such as labs, clinical placements, or fieldwork), alternative arrangements may be necessary.

Grading

Students will not be penalized for absences related to pregnancy. If course grading includes participation or attendance-based points, students will be given an opportunity to make up missed work. If returning from leave of absence, the student will be able to return to hte academic standing they held prior to the absence.

Missed Academic Work

Students may complete academic work missed due to pregnancy or related medical conditions. Students who anticipate extended absences are encouraged to contact the Access & Success Office to coordinate support. In courses with specialized requirements, alternative accommodations may be arranged when reasonable.

Off-Campus Academic Programs

Students may continue participation in internships, practica, clinical placements, or other off-campus academic experiences.  Faculty may not require medical documentation for continued participation unless such documentation is required of all students with medical conditions.

V. Roles & Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

Students are encouraged to notify faculty and the Access & Success Office as soon as possible if they anticipate pregnancy-related accommodations. Students should work collaboratively with faculty to plan for completing any missed work.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty are responsible for ensuring equal access to educational programs and activities. This includes providing reasonable flexibility for pregnancy-related absences and allowing students to make up any missed work or participation when appropriate. Faculty may not require medical documentation unless required for all students with medical conditions. Nothing in this policy alters the essential requirements of a course or academic program.

Faculty are  encouraged to include the following statement, or similar language, in class syllabus:

“If you need academic flexibility or support due to pregnancy or related conditions, please contact me and the Access & Success Office (accessandsuccess@stkate.edu) as early as possible. Access & Success can assist with planning and connect you with additional campus resources."

VI. Leave of Absence

Students may choose to take a leave of absence due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The University will not require a student to take a leave, withdraw from, or limit their studies due to pregnancy or parenting status.

When possible, the University will make reasonable efforts to reinstate students returning from leave to their academic program, granting them access to the same institutional financial aid they held at the time the leave began, subject to the terms of the funding program and applicable regulations. Federal and state financial aid remains subject to eligibility, refund calculations, satisfactory academic process, and repayment requirements in effect at the time of leave or withdrawal.

VII. Housing-Related Accommodations

A student's on campus housing status will not be altered due to pregnancy unless requested by the student. Housing-related accommodations may be requested through the Access & Success Office.

VIII. Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

Students may breastfeed or pump milk during the academic day. Reasonable breaks for these purposes will be excused, and students will not be penalized for time away from class.

The University provides private, non-bathroom lactation spaces equipped, where possible, with seating, a flat surface, and access to electrical outlets. Information about available lactation spaces may be obtained through the Access & Success Office. A list of lactation rooms is also provided in ServiceNow.

IX. Requesting Accommodations

Student seeking accommodations related to pregnancy should contact the Access & Success Office.  Access & Success will work with the student and, when appropriate, the faculty to develop a plan that supports continued academic progress.

If disability-related need are involved or if an accommodation cannot be resolved through Access & Success, the University may partner with Student Accessibility and Accommodations to address the issue. The Title IX Coordinator may be consulted at any point to ensure compliance with the University policy and federal law.

X. Campus Employment (Student Employees)

Students who are employed by the University should consult the Employee Handbook or or contact Human Resources for information regarding pregnancy-related accommodations in the workplace.

XI. Retaliation and Harassment

The University prohibits harassment or retaliation against any student for requesting accommodations, taking leave, filing a complaint, or otherwise exercising their rights under this policy. Any concerns regarding discrimination or retaliation should be reported promptly. Please see the reporting complaint process below.

XII. Reporting and Complaint Process

The University encourages students to report concerns related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on pregnancy, childbirth, recovery from pregnancy, or parenting status. Reports may be made whether or not a student chooses to pursue a formal complaint.

Internal Reporting

Students may report concerns to the University's Title IX Coordinator or to any supervisor, manager, or Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Reports made to other University employees will be promptly forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator
Lastisha Dawson
Vice President of Human Resources
2004 Randolph Ave
Derham Hall, Room 113
651-690-6565

Students who believe they have experienced discrimination based on pregnancy or parenting status may access the Title IX complaint process outlined in the University's Title IX Policy. The University prohibits retaliation against students who report an incident or participate in the complaint process.

External Reporting

Students may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Filing an external complain does not prevent a student from also pursuing an internal complaint through the University.

Office for Civil Rights (OCR) - Region V
U.S. Department of Education
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1427
Chicago, IL 60661
Telephone: 312-730-1700
Fax: 312-730-1704