Pregnancy and Parenting

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination, which includes pregnancy and parenting status, in educational programs and activities. It protects against discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, other related pregnancy issues, and the recovery from any of these conditions. Title IX prohibits the exclusion of pregnant students from participating in any part of an educational program.

Life University is dedicated to creating an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for pregnant and parenting students. Students may request reasonable accommodations for pregnancy related conditions by clicking below on Request for Accommodations. Please review the information provided below to find the answers to frequently asked questions and to request assistance with accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of accommodations can I request?
Am I required to tell anyone about my pregnancy or parenting status?
Are there any areas on campus that are designated for expressing breast milk?
May a school require a pregnant student to obtain a doctor’s permission before allowing them to attend school late in their pregnancy if the school is worried about the student’s health or safety?
How can I request pregnancy or parenting related accommodations?
How do I report harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy or parenting status?

Students will be provided reasonable accommodations based upon their pregnancy or childbirth related needs. Specific accommodations may vary based upon the needs of each student. Some examples of accommodations may include:

Providing a larger desk.
Allowing breaks during class, as needed.
Permitting temporary faculty/staff parking.
Excusing absences due to pregnancy or related conditions.
Submitting coursework after a missed deadline.
Rescheduling tests/exams.
Permitting a reasonable time for expressing breast milk and access to a private lactation space.

Students will be allowed to make up any work missed due to medically necessary absences for pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions. They will be offered reasonable alternative arrangements to make up missed coursework. Students will not be required to complete make-up work until the student's medically necessary absences are completed.

Students are not required to inform anyone of their pregnancy or parenting status. However, the university strives to create an environment that encourages students to share this information, so that the university can provide the proper support and assistance.

Yes, there are two dedicated lactation rooms on campus, and they are located in the Center for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in room 113 and in the Center for Chiropractic Education in room 143.

Pregnant students are not required to produce a doctor’s note in order to stay in school or participate in activities, including interscholastic sports, unless the same requirement applies to all students being treated by a doctor. Pregnant students are not treated differently from other students being cared for by a doctor, even when a student is in the later stages of pregnancy.

Accommodation requests should be directed to the Title IX Office. The Title IX Coordinator will discuss your pregnancy or parenting needs and may request documentation that supports the requested accommodations. Students may also submit a request for accommodations by filling out the online form.

Life University prohibits sex-based discrimination and harassment. Pregnant or parenting students who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed may file a complaint with the Title IX Office.