Pregnant & Parenting Students

Title IX protects students and employees from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. UNC Asheville provides pregnant students and employees accommodations similar to those for other temporary disabilities.

For more information about resources or to request accommodations, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 828.232.5658 or titleix@unca.edu. See the bottom of the page for guidance from the US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding pregnancy accommodations.

  • Schools cannot exclude pregnant students (or students who have been pregnant) from participating in any part of any educational program, including extracurricular activities and sports.
  • Schools must provide the same special services to pregnant students that they provide to students with other temporary conditions.
  • Students must be protected from sex based harassment.
  • Schools must excuse a student’s absence due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems medically necessary. Student must provide documentation from the attending physician.
  • Special instructional programs or classes may be implemented as an option for pregnant or parenting students, but attendance is voluntary, not mandatory.
  • A school may only require a pregnant student or student who has given birth to submit medical documentation for school/program participation only if the same is required for all students with physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician.
  • Any special services provided to students with temporary medical conditions must also be provided to a pregnant student. For example, tutoring or at home instruction.

Ramsey Library has a designated private lactation room for breastfeeding, pumping milk, and supporting lactation-related needs during the school or work day. Please visit the front desk of Ramsey to receive a key to access this room.

In addition to the Title IX Coordinator, students may contact the Office of Accessibility to discuss additional accessibility resources, request accommodations, or voice a concern:

Office of Accessibility
121 Zageir Hall, CPO 1575
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
828.251.6292
accessibility.unca.edu
academicaccess@unca.edu

Faculty and staff may also contact the Office of Institutional Integrity and Access to request accommodations or voice a concern:

Office of Institutional Integrity and Access
116 Highsmith Union, CPO 1285
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804
828.251.6605
hr.unca.edu 

 

Resources

The US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) provides a variety of resources to students and employees regarding access to accommodations under Title IX. The following guides discuss how Title IX protects students and employees from sex discrimination, including pregnancy and related conditions.

Preventing Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions | A Resource Guide for Students and Schools. (OCR 2022)

Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students  | Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. (OCR 2013)

Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School. Visit the U.S. Department of Education website for a detailed description of your rights.

The NCAA had developed a guide to provide information and resources to member institutions and their student-athletes to effectively meet the needs of student-athletes dealing with a pregnancy and comply with Title IX.

NCAA Pregnant and Parenting Students Resources and Model Policies