Pregnant and Parenting Student Modifications

Metro State is committed to ensuring its programs, services, and activities are accessible to students who may be pregnant, experiencing a pregnancy-related condition, or parenting a child under the age of 18. Metro State recognizes that students experiencing the above may need modifications or adjustments to have equitable opportunities to participate in, or benefit from, programs, services, and activities.

1B.1.3 Procedure – Access and Modifications for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Reasonable Modifications for Students
Students who are pregnant or are experiencing pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equitable access to Minnesota State education programs and activities.

Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Title IX coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinator, or designee to discuss appropriate and available reasonable modifications based on their individual needs. Find the contacts here.

• Students are asked to request their modifications as soon as possible. While some modifications may be provided retroactively, the sooner the university is aware of the modifications you need, the better we will be able to assist and put modifications in place.
• Modifications that alter the fundamental aspects of a course or service will not be provided.
• Details of a pregnant student’s modifications will only be shared with faculty and staff on an as-needed basis and in compliance with federal and state data privacy laws.

Reasonable modifications will be identified and implemented through an interactive process between Metro State and the individual seeking the modification(s). Additionally, there may be times where faculty and other staff may be engaged in this process if needed to determine reasonable modifications. Reasonable modifications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Breaks during class to lactate
• Access to online education when available
• Changes in schedule or course sequence
• Time extensions for coursework
• Rescheduling of tests and examinations
• Early and/or extended access to course materials
• Allowing a student to sit or stand
• Allowing a student to carry or keep water nearby, or to eat or drink in class
• Permission to leave class suddenly
• Changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or a footrest)
• Elevator access
• Alternative testing site
• Extended test time
• Limited exposure to chemicals
• Limited lifting requirements
• A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment (for those provided by the university). An example would be Metro State nursing scrubs.
• Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures determined by the Title IX coordinator

Metro State will work with students whose coursework has strict requirements, such as clinical rotations or other related aspects of learning. Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Minnesota State college and university 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.

While students are encouraged to work with their faculty to devise a plan on how to address requested modifications, the Title IX coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinator, or designee will assist with plan development and implementation as needed and serve as the final decision-maker.

Students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions that create 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 and/or refer the accessibility or disability resources staff at the college or university to ensure the student receives reasonable modifications for their disability as required by law.

Who to contact?

Deputy Title IX Coordinators

Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or designee to discuss appropriate and available reasonable modifications based on their individual needs. Title IX Coordinators are employees designated by the president to coordinate the university’s efforts to comply with its Title IX responsibilities and board policies 1B.1 and 1B.3 and their corresponding procedures, including the 1B.1.3 Procedure. A campus can delegate Title IX responsibilities to, for example, a deputy or deputies. The following employees are designated as Title IX Coordinators or deputies at Metro State:

Parenting Navigators

Students can also contact our Parenting Navigators for additional on and off-campus support and connection to resources beyond modifications. Parenting Navigators are university employees who provide information regarding support services and other resources available to students on campus and in the local community. The following employees are designated as Parenting Navigators at Metro State:

Step 1: Request for Modifications

• Part 1: The student submits the online modification request form
• Part 2: Student meets with a Title IX Coordinator

Step 2: Determination of Reasonable Modifications

• Part 1: Title IX Coordinator determines reasonable modifications
  • Subpart 1: This may be done in conjunction with faculty and administrations, as well as the student, via the interactive process
• Part 2: Title IX Coordinator sends modification letter to student
• Part 3: Student sends their modification letter to faculty

Part 3: Implementation

• Part 1: The student and faculty work together to create a plan for implementation of modifications
• Part 2: The Title IX coordinator is available to support and advocate as needed

NOTE: The order of each step or part may change as needed.

There are two ways for a student to submit a request for a reasonable modification.

1. Submit our online request form: Pregnancy and Parenting Modification Assistance Request
2. Contact a Title IX Coordinator or deputy from the contact information provided above, or by contacting the Office of Equity and Inclusion:
   Office of Equity and Inclusion
   New Main 204
   OEI@metrostate.edu or TitleIXcoordinator@metrostate.edu
   651-793-1276

Metro State is requesting the information on this form to assist in determining reasonable and appropriate modifications as required by policy and procedure, as well as state and federal laws. A student submitting a request for a modification may be required to provide reasonable and appropriate documentation upon request. Please note that submitting a modification request is just the first step in the process and does not guarantee any specific requested modification. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion.