Office of Non-Discrimination Initiatives

: Pregnant Student Support Resources

Protections under Title IX for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against students based on their sex, which includes protections for pregnant and parenting students. Springfield College does not discriminate against pregnant or parenting students on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or related conditions, including recovery. Students at Springfield College have the right to take medically necessary leave and to be free of harassment, intimidation, or other discrimination because of pregnancy-related conditions and have the right to return to the same academic and co-curricular standing following a leave for these purposes.

  • Accommodations

    The College has the responsibility to ensure that all faculty members understand the Title IX requirements related to excused absences relative to pregnancy and parenting, including class participation, grades, and delayed due dates for assignments. If you are experiencing medical concerns based on your pregnancy or parenting that are affecting your academic schedule or standing, support can be provided by meeting with the College Title IX coordinator or one of the deputy Title IX coordinators.

    The College has developed a policy on pregnant and parenting student accommodations which can be found here.

    Examples of accommodations that students can request include but are not limited to:

    • Larger desk
    • Breaks during class, as needed
    • Excused absences due to pregnancy or related conditions
    • Rescheduling tests or exams or submitting work after a deadline due to pregnancy or childbirth
    • Providing alternatives to make up missed work

  • Contact

    If you need help or support with accommodations related to your pregnant or parenting status, please contact:

    Camille Elliott
    Associate director of student services and deputy Title IX coordinator
    Learning Commons room 306
    celliott@springfield.edu
    (413) 748-397

    Rebecca Kalagher

    Director of Community Standards and Interim Title IX Coordinator

    Campus Union Suite 325

    413-748-3922

    rkalagher@springfieldcollege.edu

  • Parenting Rooms On-Campus

    The College has several identified spaces designed to meet a variety of parenting needs, ranging from breastfeeding to diaper changing.

    • Brown Cooper Health Sciences center, Lactation Room, HSC 105
    • Learning Commons, Parenting Room, LC103
    • Wellness Center, Baby Changing Area and Parenting Room, Pool Lobby