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Issued By: Human Resources
Effective Date: August 01. 2014
Statement Of Purpose
The College of St. Scholastica is committed to ensuring that all students have full access to all educational programs, services and activities. This policy sets forward the provisions for the College's compliance with federal law (Title IX) and establishes the College's intent to protect students and employees against pregnancy discrimination.
Note To Nursing Mothers
The College provides a lactation room for nursing mothers. To inquire about access and availability, please contact Title IX at titleix@css.edu.
General Statement Of Policy
A. The College shall not discriminate against any student or employee on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, parenting and all related conditions will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under:
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any education program activity or services
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admissions
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coursework accommodations and completion
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pregnancy leave policies
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health insurance in educational programs and activities
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hiring
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workplace protection
B. Admissions
During the admissions process all applicants will be treated the same. No applicant will be treated differently on the basis of sex, or on the basis of pregnancy, parental or marital status. Additionally, disabilities related to pregnancy will be treated in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability or physical condition.
C. Course Absences
Course absences due to pregnancy or any related conditions are considered excused absences. However, depending on the length of the absence and the area of instruction (e.g. courses with lab requirements, clinical rotations, etc.), it may be not be feasible even with reasonable accommodations to complete a particular course and may be academically necessary to take a leave of absence. However, when the student returns to CSS, she must be reinstated to the status she held before the leave.
D. Grading
Students cannot be penalized for pregnancy or related conditions. If a faculty member 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 missed due to pregnancy, so that she can be reinstated to the status she held before she took leave.
E. Missed Academic Work
Title IX requires faculty members to allow students to make up the work missed while out due to pregnancy or any related conditions, including recovery from childbirth. For example, if a doctor's note excuses the student from class for several weeks because of bed rest before giving birth, professors must provide the student with the appropriate assignments and information to make up all of the work required to be completed while absent. Again, depending on the nature of the academic instruction, e.g. clinical rotations, this may not be feasible and other forms of accommodations may need to be made. When in doubt, consult with the Center for Equal Access or the Title IX Coordinator.
F. Participation in Off-Campus Academic Programs
CSS must allow continued participation in off-campus programs such as internships, career rotations and other off-campus elements of academic programs. For example, if the program provides opportunities to "work in the field", CSS cannot deny participation based on pregnancy. Professors cannot require a doctor's note for continued participation, unless it is required for all students who have a medical condition that requires treatment by a doctor.
G. Harassment
Title IX requires schools to prevent and address sex-based harassment, including harassment based on pregnancy. If a student experiences harassment or offensive treatment at CSS, she should seek help immediately from the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Department of Human Resources 218-723-7032. The law prohibits retaliation against the student for making a complaint or raising a concern.
H. Leave of Absence
If she wants to take off more time than the doctor says is medically necessary, she will need to consult the college's non-medical leave policy.
I. Campus Employment
Rights as an employee are different from rights as a student. If the student works for CSS, she may be eligible for family or medical leave, or may qualify for maternity leave, but that may not include leave from classes, beyond what is medically necessary.
Responsibility
Students are responsible for contacting faculty members to ensure that they are notified of their intent to miss class, to be on a leave or after the fact in the event of an emergency, based on a pregnancy or related condition. Students will work with faculty to determine how they will make up any work that was missed during their absence.
Faculty are responsible for ensuring that all students have full access to educational programming and activities. This includes making the necessary accommodations for students to make up any missed course or field work, assignments and be given the opportunity to make up any missed "points" due to an absence.
Discrimination or Concerns
If someone is concerned that a violation or discrimination may have occurred, the person may file a complaint with the College's Title IX Coordinator at 218-625-4444 or titleix@css.edu.
U.S. Department of Education
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1427
Chicago, IL 60661
Sanctions
Failure to comply with Title IX and this policy may result in disciplinary action. For further details see the College's Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy.