The United States Department of Education’s (DOE) regulation implementing Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. The DOE requires that Universities provide pregnant students with “reasonable adjustments” and/or "reasonable accommodations" that may be necessary due to the pregnancy. The Office of the Dean of Students can help facilitate the reasonable adjustments that a pregnant student might need. The Student Access and Resource Center can assist students who are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a complication arising from a pregnancy or related condition. For more information, please see the frequently asked questions below.
The first thing you should do is speak to your professor or instructor during office hours. Depending on the adjustment needed, the professor may be able to arrange adjustments for you without involving the Office of the Dean of Students or SAR Center. Not all professors are familiar with Title IX or ADA regulations, so if your professor tells you that you need to request assistance from the Office of the Dean of Students or the SAR Center, don’t worry.
Students experiencing normal pregnancies typically need “reasonable adjustments” and would go to the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance. Pregnant students experiencing medical complications with their pregnancy generally have doctors’ notes and should go to the SAR Center to discuss accommodation options. If you need assistance with something that a doctor has not put into writing, you likely need a “reasonable adjustment”, which would be handled through the Office of the Dean of Students.
If you are still unsure about which office can help you, you may contact either office and discuss your situation. They will be able to tell you whether you are in the right place or need to start in the other office.