Pregnancy & Lactation Information

UMass Dartmouth is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated under Title IX, which can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status. A pregnant student can continue to participate in all classes and co-curricular activities, including clubs, sports, and student leadership opportunities.

Pregnant students or employees may ask for pregnancy modifications from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“ODEI”) due to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. This covers instances of a pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.

Upon request, the ODEI can assist pregnant students with such modifications as:

Providing an opportunity to make up missed work wherever possible, including class participation and attendance credits;
Extending deadlines and requesting make-up assignments (e.g., papers, quizzes, tests, and presentations);
Making modifications to the physical environment (e.g., accessible seating);
Providing information on requesting a grade of incomplete to be completed at a later date;
A voluntary leave of absence for so long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician, and then effectively reinstating the student to the same status as was held when the leave began;
Adjustments equivalent to those provided to students with other temporary disabilities or medical conditions;
Allowing breastfeeding students reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a private location and extend timed assignments to accommodate lactation

Upon request, the ODEI can assist employees and their supervisors with requested job-related modifications.

The Title IX Coordinator, or designee, will engage the student or employee in an interactive process to identify the modifications that are necessary and appropriate to inform faculty members or supervisors of the need to adjust academic or work parameters accordingly. If a proposed modification for a student would fundamentally alter a course, program, or service, the Title Coordinator, or designee, will work with the student, faculty member and/or department on a case-by-case basis to offer alternative modifications.

Information about a pregnant individual’s request(s) for modifications will be shared with others only to the extent necessary to provide the reasonable modification. Faculty and staff will regard all information associated with such requests as private and will not disclose this information unless necessary.

In the case of a pregnant student, the student and their faculty are encouraged to work together to implement agreed upon modifications, including anticipating the need for leaves, minimizing the impact of absences, and getting back on track as efficiently and comfortably as possible. The Title IX Coordinator, or designee, will assist with plan development and implementation as needed.

No time limitations will be imposed on requests for modifications, but the requesting student or employee is encouraged to proactively request accommodations.

Faculty and staff are expected to provide the contact information for the Title IX Coordinator when a student discloses their pregnancy. UMass Dartmouth maintains a policy of non-discrimination in its educational programs and activities based on student’s or employee’s current, potential, or past pregnancy or related condition.

Should medical complications arise with a pregnancy and require ADA accommodations, the student would be directed to the Office of Student Accessibility Services and the employee would be directed to the ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources.

Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School

Lactation services

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and their infants, and in promoting a family-friendly work and study environment. Therefore, in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts statutes, the University acknowledges that a woman may breastfeed her child in any place she has the right to be on campus. Further, the University provides a clean and private space in the Claire T. Carney Library, Room 427, at the Law School and at SMAST, for employees or students who are nursing to be used as a lactation room for up to one (1) year after the child’s birth. To obtain access to the lactation room, please complete the Lactation Request Form below.

The Pregnancy Workers’ Fairness Act (the “Act”) amended Massachusetts General Law Chapter 151B, §4, which is enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”). The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, such as lactation or the need to express breast milk for a nursing child. The Act further describes an employer’s obligation to employees who are pregnant or lactating and explains the protections afforded to these employees. In general, employers may not treat employees or job applicants less favorably than other employees based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions and have an obligation to accommodate pregnant workers.

Please access the forms below:

Related information: