Pregnancy & Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Reasonable modification requests should be directed to the Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance office. The university will discuss each individual’s needs and may ask for documentation that supports the requested modification. (Note: many simple modification requests may not require documentation).

A student who has a serious medical condition because of a pregnancy may also qualify for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and can request additional support through the Disability Access Center.

Specific modifications will vary from student to student. Examples of modifications students sometimes request include:

• Changes to physical spaces or supplies (furniture, location, seating assignments)
• Breaks during class, as needed
• Academic Modifications (attendance, schedule/course load, assignments, exams)
• Access to remote participation where available
• Counseling
• Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures needed to provide equal access

WWU must make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures as necessary to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access to education programs or activities. The university will determine what modifications can be offered after consulting with the student about their individualized needs.

A modification that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or activity is not a reasonable modification. Students have the right to challenge an initial determination about reasonable modifications, which is reviewed by an impartial employee that was not involved in the initial determination.

Students are not required to inform faculty, staff, or any member of the administration of their pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, unless they are seeking reasonable modifications. WWU wishes to create an environment that encourages voluntary sharing of this information, so that it can support each student's physical and mental health.