Madison College is committed to the protection and equal treatment of pregnant employees and students, those with pregnancy-related conditions, and students who are new parents in all aspects of their educational program.

This includes Madison College-sponsored extracurricular activities and internships, athletics, financial aid, scholarships, career counseling, advising, lab and clinical work.

Watch a video on Title IX and Pregnancy

  • Title IX Requirements

    According to the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, students must be allowed to take time off school for pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, and recovery for as long as their doctor says is medically necessary. 

    This could mean absences for medical appointments as well as for a longer leave of absence, as may be needed for a high-risk pregnancy or childbirth. The rule applies even if a medically necessary leave requires an absence longer than the school’s leave policy usually allows. A student cannot be penalized for taking leave and must be able to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave.  

    When appropriate, Madison College makes reasonable adjustments to the student's regular program that are responsive to the student’s temporary pregnancy status. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, providing a larger desk, allowing frequent trips to the bathroom, or permitting temporary access to elevators.  

    Students with pregnancy-related conditions should submit the Student Pregnancy Accommodation Request form or contact Disability Resource Services at 608.246.6716 or drstransition@madisoncollege.edu to make a request for accommodations.  
     

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What if an instructor or program has policies about class attendance and make-up work?
    The college must ensure that the policies and practices of individual instructors do not discriminate against pregnant students.

    An instructor cannot refuse a student’s submitted work after a deadline that the student missed because of absences due to pregnancy or childbirth. Additionally, if an instructor’s grading is based in part on class attendance or participation, the student should be allowed to earn the credits that the student missed, so that the student can be reinstated to the status before the student’s leave. 

    Madison College instructors and staff should follow Title IX requirements. An individual instructor’s policy is not okay if it breaks the law.

    What about internships, career rotations, and other off-campus elements of the program?
    Madison College must allow the student to continue participating in off-campus programs. 

    If the program provides opportunities to work in the field, Madison College cannot deny participation based on pregnancy. Madison College can require a doctor’s note for continued participation, if the school requires one for all students who have a medical condition that requires treatment by a doctor. If Madison College asks for a note, instructors cannot second-guess the student’s doctor’s decision.

    Can an instructor require a student to keep up with course work while at home on maternity leave?
    The instructor must excuse a student’s absences because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary. The student cannot be required to turn in work while on maternity leave until the doctor releases the student. The missed work will have to be made up after the doctor authorizes the student’s return to school.

    What if there are availability issues when scheduling make-up work?
    Instructors should make every effort to find a mutually convenient time. However, if conflicts arise, the instructor’s associate dean should facilitate a resolution.

    What if a student cannot make up the work during the semester?
    If the instructor gives the student an Incomplete, the student’s academic status may be negatively affected. 

    But if the student is approved for Title IX protection, the academic status will not be affected negatively. Student Accommodation Services will work with the Director of Counseling to correct the status. However, Financial Aid regulations do not give the college any discretion in terms of Financial Aid eligibility.

    Can an instructor lower a student's grade for missing class?
    A student cannot be penalized for pregnancy or other related conditions. If an instructor provides specific “points” or other advantages to students based on class attendance, the student must be given the opportunity to earn back the credit from classes that were missed due to pregnancy, so that the student can be reinstated to the status held before the student took leave.

    Is Title IX protection retroactive?
    No, a student must apply for pregnancy and disability due to childbirth leave in a timely manner (current semester). The college cannot go back in time to make accommodations. 

    Documentation of medical appointments must be submitted to DRS within three days of the appointment. 

    Documentation of medical leaves or emergencies should be submitted within one week.

    What accommodations and support could I request?
    Reasonable accommodations during a pregnancy may include, but are not limited to:

    • Accommodations requested by the pregnant student to protect the health and safety of the student and the student’s pregnancy (such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances).
    • Modifications to the physical environment (such as accessible seating).
    • Mobility support.
    • Extending deadlines and/or allowing the student to make up tests or assignments missed for pregnancy-related absences.
    • Providing remote learning options.
    • Excusing medically necessary absences.
    • Granting leave from a program of study.

    Student parents who wish to continue their coursework following the birth or adoption of a child or placement of a foster child may request an academic modification period of up to one semester. 

    This time frame must begin within the first six months of the child entering the home. Extensions may be granted where additional time is required due to medical necessity or extraordinary parenting responsibilities.

  • Apply for Title IX Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations

    You must request pregnancy or maternity leave accommodations with Disability Resource Services (DRS). It is recommended that you work with DRS as soon as you know you are pregnant.

    When you submit documentation to DRS from your doctor it should include:

    • The dates of pregnancy and maternity leave.
    • The dates and times of medical appointments you want to be excused for.
    • An outline of specific accommodation needs.

    Submit the Student Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form.

    When you are approved for Title IX accommodations, an email will be sent to you and each of your current instructors, informing them of the Title IX status and what it means. 

    The Director of DRS will review and work with you and your instructors to develop a plan to complete the course work. The plan will be signed by all parties and a copy provided to all.
     

Concerns related to denial of accommodations or refusal of support should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator using the Harassment / Discrimination Report Form.

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