This policy applies to conduct that occurs on Colgate’s campus or property and in all Colgate education programs and sponsored activities and may apply to off-campus conduct where the alleged conduct is subject to the University’s disciplinary authority. This policy and its pregnancy-related protections apply to all pregnant individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression.
If a student who is pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy-related condition has a disability as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the ADA), the student is protected from discrimination under Section 504 and the ADA, as applicable, whether or not the disability is related to pregnancy. If a student is seeking 504 adjustments/accommodations and services, the student must contact the Office of Student Disability Services (OSDS). An employee may have similar adjustments/accommodations options under the PUMP Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If a student believes they have been discriminated against due to pregnancy or a related condition, the student may file a Complaint with the Title IX Coordinator. The University will use procedures under the Student Sexual/Gender-Based Misconduct Policy to address the alleged discrimination.
A: Parental Status: The status of a person who is a parent, legal custodian, guardian, or in loco parentis of a person under 18, or over 18 if incapable of self-care due to disability.
B: Pregnancy and Related Conditions: Includes pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery.
C: Reasonable Modifications: Modifications to policies, practices, or procedures that do not fundamentally alter the University’s education programs or activities.
A student who is pregnant or has a related condition, or a person with the legal authority to act on behalf of such a student, may contact the Title IX Coordinator directly to discuss reasonable modifications, to prevent discrimination and ensure access to the University's educational programs and activities.
Students experiencing pregnancy and related conditions are entitled to Reasonable Modifications to ensure equal access to education programs and activities. These may include changes to schedules, assignments, and course requirements.
Students seeking Reasonable Modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss their needs. Modifications will be determined based on individual needs and may include alternative paths to completion for clinical rotations, performances, labs, and group work. In progressive curricular and cohort-model programs, medically necessary leaves may allow students to shift course order or join subsequent cohorts.
Supporting documentation may be required when necessary to determine appropriate modifications. Information about modifications will be shared with faculty and staff only as necessary.
Health and safety risks related to participation in activities will be communicated to all students. A student experiencing pregnancy or related conditions cannot be required to provide health certification unless the same certification is required of all students and it is necessary for participation.
The University will provide 30 minutes of paid break time per day as needed for up to three years following childbirth. Student employees must provide written notice of their need for breast milk expression to the Office of Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator. Additional unpaid time beyond the 30 minutes may be taken using existing paid break or meal time.
The University will not deduct a student employee’s paid break time for breast milk expression from their regular paid break or meal time. Student employees can choose to take breast milk expression breaks before or after their regularly scheduled paid break or meal periods.
The University provides students with access to functional, appropriate, and safe lactation spaces. These spaces are regularly cleaned, shielded from view, and free from intrusion.
Students wishing to request a lactation room must provide reasonable advance notice and submit a written request to the Office of Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator. The University will respond within five business days and notify the student in writing when a room is designated for breast milk expression.
If a student's request for a lactation room poses an undue hardship, the University will engage in a cooperative dialogue with the student.
Lactation spaces are located in Room 460 in Case-Geyer Library. To access the space, you can request the key from the main desk at the library.
Students may take a voluntary leave of absence for a reasonable time deemed medically necessary due to pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, or foster care placement. The leave term may be extended for extenuating circumstances or medical necessity. Students can elect to keep their health insurance coverage and continue residing in University housing, subject to applicable fees.
Students with child caretaking responsibilities may request academic modifications for up to six months from the time of the child’s arrival in the home. Extensions may be granted for medical necessity or extraordinary caretaking responsibilities.
During the modification period, academic requirements may be adjusted, and deadlines postponed as appropriate, in collaboration with academic affairs personnel (including relevant academic advisors and faculty). Students may reschedule assignments, lab hours, examinations, or reduce their course load once authorized.
If caretaking students cannot obtain appropriate modifications, they should alert the Title IX Coordinator, who will facilitate needed accommodations and modifications.
In timed degree programs, students can request extensions for preliminary and qualifying examinations and normative time to degree while in candidacy. Longer extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances.
Students will remain registered and retain benefits during academic modifications.
Any student who is pregnant or has a related condition or is experiencing sex discrimination based on their pregnancy or related condition is encouraged to understand their options and to seek emotional and physical support.
The support options listed below are confidential, meaning they will keep a student’s information confidential, including from the Title IX Coordinator, unless the student gives them explicit written permission to share their information. Students may contact:
Any student who is pregnant or has a related condition or is experiencing sex discrimination based on their pregnancy or related condition is encouraged to understand their options and seek resources. The below resources are private but not confidential, meaning that they may share information you disclose, but only on a need-to-know basis, with other University officials and offices to prevent sex discrimination and to identify and provide reasonable modifications. Students may contact:
102 Lathrop Hall
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-228-6161
The Office of Equity and Diversity
102 Lathrop Hall
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-228-6161
TitleIX@colgate.edu
Associate Provost for Equity and Diversity
The Office of Equity and Diversity
102 Lathrop Hall
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, NY 13346
315-228-6161
directorDE@colgate.edu
Colgate University will not adopt or implement any policy, practice, or procedure concerning the current, potential, or past Parental, familial, or marital status of a student or applicant that treats a person differently on the basis of sex.
Any student or applicant who believes they have been discriminated against due to their Parental, familial or marital status is encouraged to understand their reporting and confidential support options. Please see the confidential, on-campus support options and the on-campus non-confidential resources listed in this policy to learn who to contact to learn more about your support and resource options.