Pregnant and Parenting Students

The University has instituted a policy to provide appropriate, reasonable adjustments to educational programs and activities to support pregnant and parenting students.

LSUS provides accommodations for students based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related conditions, including recovery. Pregnant and parenting students are encouraged
to arrange reasonable accommodations by working directly with their faculty members.

• The University must excuse a student’s absence because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary. This must be granted irrespective of classroom attendance requirements set by a faculty member, department, school/college or division.
• At the conclusion of that period, the student must be given a reasonable amount of time to make up the work missed and must be allowed to return to the same academic status as before the medically necessary absence.
  No artificial deadlines or time limitations can be imposed on a request for accommodations.
• A faculty member does not have to fundamentally alter the nature of a program for pregnant or parenting students.
• Parents may not be treated differently based on sex. Fathers will be granted an excused absence to be present at the birth of their child. Parental status includes adoptive parents or stepparents, and legal guardians.
• A student in need of an education adjustment should submit a request, either in writing or in person, to the Title IX Coordinator. If the student is unable to do so, an appropriate representative may contact the Title IX Coordinator on the student's behalf.
• The written medical recommendation must be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator Officer. The Title IX Coordinator will then consult with the student and appropriate faculty members or department chairs to fashion an education adjustment that is appropriate for the student.
• Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
  1.  Providing accommodations requested by a pregnant student to protect the health and safety of the student and/or the pregnancy (such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances).
  2. Making modification to the physical environment, such as accessible seating.
  3. Excused absences.
  4. Providing mobility support.
  5. Frequent trips to the restroom.
  6. Extending deadlines and/or allowing the student to make up tests or assignments missed for pregnancy-related reasons.
  7. Offering remote learning options.
  8. Implementing incomplete grades for classes that will be resumed at a future date.
  9. Allowing breastfeeding students reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a location that is private, clean, and reasonably accessible. Bathroom stalls do not satisfy this requirement. LSUS provides a private Lactation Room (University Center 217). The room has a lock, electrical outlets, sink, and comfortable seating. Refrigeration/storage is not provided.
• If it is unreasonable for a student to receive extra time to complete a course, the student will be given the option to withdraw from the class without penalty.
• In the event a request for adjustment is received by the Title IX Coordinator that may be covered by Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act or the American with Disabilities Act, the request will be determined between the Title IX Coordinator and the Access and Advocacy Coordinator. The Access and Advocacy Coordinator can be contacted at Disability Services (318-797-2402 or disabilityservices@lsus.edu).
• A faculty member cannot demand from a student a copy of the medical recommendation given by her doctor.
• Protections for parenting students extend to any parent on the basis of medical necessity related to the health of the parent who gave birth and/or baby during the pregnancy and postpartum period reasonably thereafter.