Reasonable Modifications for Students

Students who are pregnant or are experiencing pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equitable access to Minnesota State education programs and activities. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Title IX coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinators, or designee to discuss appropriate and available reasonable modifications based on their individual needs.

• Students are asked to request their modifications as soon as possible.
  • While some modifications may be provided retroactively, the sooner the university is aware of the modifications you need, the better we will be able to assist and put modifications in place.
• Modifications that alter the fundamental aspects or objectives of a course or service will not be provided.
• Details of a pregnant student’s modifications will only be shared with faculty and staff on a need-to-know basis and in compliance with federal and state data privacy laws.

Reasonable modifications will be identified and implemented through an interactive process between the University and the individual seeking the modification(s). Additionally, there may be times where faculty and other staff may be engaged in this process if needed to determine reasonable modifications. Reasonable modifications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Breaks during class to lactate
• Access to online education when available
• Changes in schedule or course sequence
• Time extensions for coursework
• Rescheduling of tests and examinations
• Early and/or extended access to course materials
• Allowing a student to sit or stand
• Allowing a student to carry or keep water nearby, or to eat or drink in class
• Permission to leave class suddenly
• Changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or a footrest)
• Elevator access
• Alternative testing site
• Extended test time
• Limited exposure to chemicals
• Limited lifting requirements
• A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment (for those provided by the university). An example would be Metro State nursing scrubs.
• Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures determined by the Title IX coordinator

When possible, the Office for Institutional Equity and Access will work with students whose pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions impact strict program requirements, such as clinical rotations or other related aspects of learning. Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Minnesota State college and university support systems to devise a plan for how to best address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on track as efficiently and comfortably as possible.

While students are encouraged to work with their faculty to devise a plan on how to address requested modifications, the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators will assist with plan development and implementation as needed and serve as the final decision-maker regarding reasonable modifications.

Students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions that create a temporary disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are eligible for reasonable accommodations just like any other student with a temporary disability. The Title IX coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators will consult with and/or refer students to the Student Accessibility Services staff to ensure the student receives reasonable modifications for their disability as required by law.