Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Rights and Resources Employees should review the Disability Accommodation Policy and refer to Human Resources about any pregnancy and parenting leaves. Non-Discrimination Statement The University will not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment in the educational environment. Discrimination or harassment based on a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions (including lactation) is unlawful and is prohibited. Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against on the basis of pregnancy or a pregnancy-related issue, should file an immediate complaint with the Title IX Coordinator. This complaint may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Sobia Mahmood, J.D.Director of Institutional Equity & Compliance and Title IX Coordinator358 Hamburg TurnpikeWayne, NJ 07474TitleIX@wpunj.edu973-720-2389 All complaints of pregnancy discrimination will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Procedures to address complaints of discrimination on the basis of pregnancy are described here: Title IX Grievance Process for Sexual Harassment Complaints Procedures to address complaints of discrimination by a faculty or staff member may also be addressed by the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workforce and Educational Environment. Procedures to address complaints of discrimination of a student by a student may also be addressed by the Student Sexual Misconduct and Non-Discrimination Process. Retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination or for participating in an investigation is prohibited by Title IX and University policy. Examples of retaliation include intimidation, threats, coercion and may subject the offender to sanctions, regardless of whether or not the discrimination complaint has been substantiated. Disclosure of Pregnancy A student who is, or becomes, pregnant is strongly encouraged to notify the Dean of Students Office and/or the Accessibility Resource Center as soon as possible. By doing so, the student and the University can collaborate and develop an appropriate plan for the continuation of the student’s educational progression, as well as particular challenges the student may face while pregnant or recovering from childbirth (e.g., missed classes, make-up work, etc.). However, the choice to declare a pregnancy is voluntary, and a student is not required to disclose this information to the University. Requesting Reasonable Accommodations Reasonable accommodations to a pregnant student shall include, but need not be limited to, allowances for the student's health and safety, such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances, allowing the student to make up tests and assignments that are missed for pregnancy-related reasons, allowing a student to take a leave of absence (so long as the request is made prior to the start of the semester), and excusing medically necessary absences. Students affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions will be treated in the same manner as other students who are affected by a physical condition and or disability. The Office of the Vice President for Student Development, specifically the Director of Accessibility Resource Center, coordinates services for students with disabilities, including pregnancy, which is considered a temporary disability. These services include assistance in registration, parking, referrals, adapted classroom activities and other special needs. It is the responsibility of the student to self-identify and provide recent documentation of their disability to the Director of Accessibility Resource Center at: https://www.wpunj.edu/accessibilityresourcecenter/ As with all accommodation requests for temporary conditions, the student will be required to provide documentation of the pregnancy or related medical condition to the Accessibility Resource Center. The Accessibility Resource Center will determine if such accommodations are necessary and appropriate and will generate an accommodation letter that a student can use to inform the faculty member of the need to adjust academic parameters accordingly. Information about a pregnant student’s requests for accommodations will be shared with administrators and faculty on a limited need to know basis, only as necessary to implement the accommodation(s). Pregnancy Leave of Absence or Withdrawal A registered student at any level may choose to take a leave of absence or a withdrawal for pregnancy, pregnancy-related issues or birth of a child. Birth parents may take a leave of up to two full academic years, without being required to re-apply for admission. If a medical necessity requires a leave period that is longer than two years, the student will be required to reapply for readmission. Non-birth parents may apply for withdrawal of up to two full academic years without being required to apply for re-admission. If a period of extension longer than two full academic years is medically necessary to care for the student’s partner or child, the student will be required to apply for readmission. See information on how to apply for a leave of absence/withdrawal here: https://wpunj.edu/registrar/academic-regulations/leave.html Returning From Leave Any student in good academic standing who chooses to take a leave of absence because they are pregnant or have recently given birth shall return to the baccalaureate, or graduate program in good academic standing with no loss of standing, credit, progress, grade point average, or other rights or privileges, as long as the duration of their leave is consistent with University policies. An enrolled student in good academic standing who is not the birth parent and who chooses to withdraw because of the birth of the student's child shall return to the baccalaureate, or graduate program in good academic with no loss of standing, credit, progress, grade point average, or other rights or privileges, as long as the duration of their leave is consistent with University policies. If the student will require accommodations upon return from the leave, they must notify the Accessibility Resource Center of their pending return to initiate this process. If a student does not return from the withdrawal/leave of absence for the semester immediately following the end of two years, the student must submit a readmission application with the Office of Admissions by the established admissions deadlines. Lactation Stations & Information William Paterson University offers designated lactation rooms on campus to all William Paterson University students, faculty, staff, and visitors who need a private place to express milk. Each lactation room is equipped with a comfortable chair, small table, electrical outlet, and a sink with running water. Refrigeration/storage is not provided, and in all locations, nursing individuals will need to provide their own pump. There are three Lactation rooms on campus that are close to academic buildings and parking lots. All rooms are locked for privacy and require scheduling. Please complete the Lactation Room Support Form to schedule and gain card access or a key to the Lactation room of your choice, listed below: Hunziker Hall, Room 300 Student Center, Room 305 1600 Valley Road, Room 1014 https://wpunj.edu/osdi/Gender-Sexuality-Resources/lactation-room-support Questions or Concerns Any student who has questions about this policy or who is concerned about its implementation should contact: Sobia Mahmood, J.D. Director of Institutional Equity & Compliance and Title IX Coordinator358 Hamburg TurnpikeWayne, NJ 07474TitleIX@wpunj.edu973-720-2389
