UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Title IX

Pregnant, Expecting, and Parenting Students

UW-River Falls is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant, expecting and parenting members of our community. 

Students may request a reasonable accommodation as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions (e.g., false pregnancy, pregnancy termination, recovery). Reasonable accommodations vary based on each student's unique circumstances.

Possible reasonable accommodations could include:

  • Academic accommodations and flexibility, such as breaks, schedule changes to exams, flexibility on deadlines, flexibility on attendance requirements or permitting excused absences for students who need to take their child to a doctor's appoinment or to care for a sick child, excused absences for pregnancy or related conditions (for both pregnant and parenting students), alternate course materials in some instances, and potential accommodations relating to lab classes which must be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic department. 
  • Other reasonable adjustments, such as use of a larger desk, use of a chair or stool instead of standing, access to elevators, or housing/residential living accommodations. 

Any proposed reasonable accommodation must be related to pregnancy, childbirth, or the related condition.

Reasonable academic accommodations are determined in conjunction with the student, the Manager of Ability Services, the faculty member, and the Title IX Coordinator. When necessary, other appropriate UWRF staff or faculty may be consulted. Reasonable non-academic accommodations are determined in conjunction with the student, the Manager of Ability Services, the Title IX Coordinator, and other appropriate University staff or faculty members, which may vary depending on the nature of the specific request.

Students who wish to discuss or request accommodations based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, or file a report of discrimination based on a concern, relating to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions, should contact the Title IX Coordinator.

UWRF employees who wish to request a reasonable accommodation related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition should contact Human Resources.  

Similarly, questions from employees about family and medical leave and any concerns relating to work arrangements, should be directed to Human Resources.

Lactation Rooms 

Breastfeeding and lactation rooms are available in various locations around campus.

Helpful Resources

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights - "Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting?  Title IX Protects You from Discrimination at School"

National Women's Law Center - "Pregnant and Parenting Students' Rights: FAQs for College and Graduate Students"

National Women's Law Center - Pregnant and Parenting Students' Rights

National Women's Law Center - FAQ: Breastfeeding Students

National Women's Law Center - Pregnant and Parenting Students Rights -- What You Can Do