Pregnant and Parenting Student Accommodations

Accommodations can be requested to assist students in accessing the classroom in consideration of medical or other concerns. Students are encouraged to work with their instructor individually to determine accommodations needed in the course or classroom. If students need guidance for this, they are encouraged to meet with The Parent Navigator and/or Access Services for support. 

Reasonable modifications will be identified and implemented in the classroom as promptly as possible. Please note that any modifications that result in a formal alteration of a course, service, program or activity that could also contribute to an undue financial burden for North Hennepin Community College will not be provided. Information about pregnant and parenting students’ requests for modifications will be shared with faculty and staff only to the extent necessary to provide reasonable modification.

The following are key examples of modifications that can be implemented in a classroom or course, as applicable. This is not an all-exhaustive list, and students are encouraged to discuss these options with their instructor and Access Services. The Title IX Director reserves the right to add additional information to these processes pending statute and law changes as pertinent to Title IX.

Examples of Modifications:

• Breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeeding, or to attend to health needs associated with pregnancy related conditions.
• Excused absences for pregnancy-related conditions.
• Access to online education as allowed by the instructor.
• Changes in schedule or course sequence.
• Time extensions for coursework and rescheduling tests/exams. This also includes access to alternative testing sites and extended test time.
• Early and/or extended access to course materials.
• Allowing a student to have increased access to sitting or standing.
• Allowing a student to carry or keep water nearby as well as eat or drink in class.
• Permission to leave class suddenly and as needed.
• Changes in physical space or supplies (such as access to a larger desk or footrest).
• Elevator access.
• Limited exposure to chemicals.
• Limited lifting requirements.
• A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment (if already provided by North Hennepin Community College).

If a student self-discloses pregnancy or related concerns according to parental statsus, the NHCC employee who is advising, supporting or working with the student will provide them with information for the Parent Navigator and Access Services for next steps and after discussing potential for accommodations and modifications in the classroom.

If the student has concerns related to lack of accommodations or modifications being implemented in the classroom, they reserve the right to express their concerns in a formal grievance with Title IX Coordinator to assist with taking specific steps to prevent discrimination and ensure equitable access to an education.

• Upon notification of a student’s pregnancy or related conditions or status as a parenting student and dependent upon the information shared and if it is a formal grievance, the Title IX Coordinator, Parent Navigator or Access Services will contact the student to discuss next steps for the following:
• Prohibit sex discrimination.
• Provide reasonable accommodation.
• Allow access, on a voluntary basis, to any separate and comparable portion of NHCC’s education program to activity that may be available.
• Allow a voluntary leave of absence.
• Ensure access to lactation space.
• Maintain a resolution process for alleged discrimination.
• Treat pregnancy as comparable to other temporary medical conditions.
• Provide information related to legal rights and available resources.
• Provide information related to early registration processes and support.