Pregnancy Policy

Pregnancy and Parenting for Students of Calvin University

Calvin University is committed to providing equal access to its educational programs and activities for all students currently attending the University. This policy is intended to provide guidance and support for students at Calvin University in accordance with The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) which enforces Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX regulations prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions in institutions that receive Federal funds. 

The regulations make clear that Title IX protects students and employees from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom. 

In addition, Calvin University must assist a student with reasonable adjustment to continue their education (U.S. Department of Education). 

To request pregnancy/parenting support for yourself or for a student, please call (616) 526-6232, email (saferspaces@calvin.edu), or visit the Safer Spaces office located in the Student Life office suite (#364) in the Spoelhof University Center, in person to communicate the request for pregnancy or parenting support. Healthcare provider documentation may be requested. 

Pregnancy Support

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Calvin University must:

• Excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor says is necessary. 
• Allow students to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before medical leave began, which should include giving them the opportunity to make up any work missed while the student was out. 
• Ensure that faculty and staff have been notified of the Title IX requirements related to excused absences/medical leave. Faculty may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a missed deadline because of pregnancy or childbirth. If the professor’s grading is based in part on class participation or attendance, and a student missed class(es) because of pregnancy or childbirth, the student should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits they didn’t have the chance to earn. 
• Provide pregnant students with the same accommodation allowed to students with temporary medical conditions. This includes homebound instruction/at-home tutoring, independent study, parking accommodation, and desk accommodation. 

Postpartum Recovery Support

The Office of Safer Spaces supports students during their postpartum recovery. This includes recovery from not only childbirth, but also loss of pregnancy, false pregnancy, and termination of pregnancy. The duration of this absence is determined between the student and their healthcare provider, documentation may be requested by the Office of Safer Spaces. The student must be allowed to return to their same academic standing and may not be academically penalized.  

Breastfeeding and Nursing Mother Support

Calvin University has a lactation room on campus to create a safe, quiet, and private place to express milk for parents who are choosing to breastfeed or pump. The room is located in the Chapel Undercroft, and is designated with signage that provides direction to the room location.