Pregnancy & Lactation Information
Pregnant and parenting students
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.
A pregnant student can ask for accommodation from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“ODEI”) due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This covers instances of a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.
Upon request, the ODEI can assist pregnant students with such accommodations 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.
The Title IX Coordinator, or designee, will engage in an interactive process to identify the accommodations that are necessary and appropriate to inform faculty members of the need to adjust academic parameters accordingly. If a proposed accommodation 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 accommodations.
Information about pregnant students’ requests for accommodations will be shared with faculty and staff only to the extent necessary to provide the reasonable accommodation. Faculty and staff will regard all information associated with such requests as private and will not disclose this information unless necessary.
Students and faculty are encouraged to work together to implement agreed upon accommodations, 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 accommodation, but students are encouraged to proactively request accommodations.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact the ODEI regarding potential pregnancy accommodations for students to ensure equal access to programs and services. UMass Dartmouth maintains a policy of non-discrimination in its educational programs and activities based on student’s current, potential, or past pregnancy or related condition.
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 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, 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 contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by calling 508-999-8810.
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: