Pregnancy and Parenting Students Accommodations for Students

Rockhurst University (“Rockhurst”) is committed to providing reasonable access to its programs and classrooms to all students based on pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, as well as parenting students. The University will provide students with reasonable modifications in accordance with state and federal law.

The University prohibits any action that discriminates against or excludes a student from any of its programs or activities on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions.

A student who becomes pregnant or has a pregnancy-related condition is strongly encouraged to notify Rockhurst’s Disability Resource Center (hereinafter, the “Disability Resource Center”) as soon as possible.  This allows the student and Rockhurst to collaborate and develop an appropriate individualized plan for the continuation of the student’s education in light of the unique nature of Rockhurst’s programs and any clinical requirements, as well as particular challenges and needs the student may face while pregnant, when recovering from childbirth, or when experiencing a pregnancy-related condition. However, the choice to declare a pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition is voluntary, and a student is not required to disclose this information to Rockhurst.  

What types of accommodations/adjustments may I request?

Students seeking reasonable modifications should fill out the Pregnancy or Parent Adjustment Request for Students Form noting the requested modifications. Specific modifications or adjustments will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the circumstances, and academic requirements involved.

Reasonable modifications may include (non-exhaustive list):  

  • Providing modifications/adjustments requested by a pregnant student to protect the health and safety of the student and/or pregnancy (such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances or being excused from strenuous activities, unless providing the modification would fundamentally alter the essential nature of the education program or activity).
  • Providing reasonable breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or a pregnancy related condition, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom.
  • Providing access to online or homebound education where appropriate and available.
  • Provide changes in schedule or course sequence where appropriate and available.
  • Allowing a student to sit or stand or carry or keep water nearby.
  • Providing closer parking.
  • Providing elevator access.
  • Receiving appropriately sized uniforms (where applicable)
  • Allowing changes in physical space or supplies (for example access to a larger desk or a footrest).
  • Providing reasonable extensions of deadlines and/or allowing the student to make up tests or assignments or other work missed for pregnancy-related absences (for example intermittent absences to attend medical appointments).
  • Alternative Assignments: If a medically necessary absence for a student who is affected by pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy related conditions prevents a student from completing an in-class assignment, providing the student an alternative assignment of equivalent value for the student to complete.
  • Excusing medically necessary absences.
  • Granting leave or implementing incomplete grades for classes that will be resumed.

Requests from Undergraduate and graduate students should be directed to:

Disability Resource Center
drc@rockhurst.edu
Van Ackeren 200F – within the Learning Center
Office 816-501-4037

In certain situations, pregnancy-related complications or disabilities may make it appropriate for Rockhurst to provide additional reasonable accommodations. You can find more information on requesting accommodations for pregnancy-related disabilities here or contact the Disability Resource Center with questions.

If there are questions about the policy, you can also contact:

Kimberly Brant Schmelzle
Director of Compliance and Risk Management/Title IX Coordinator
Conway 102
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO 641110
816‑501‑4036
TitleIX@rockhurst.edu

Additional Rockhurst Resources:

  • Lactation Room: Arrupe 115 and Sedgwick 117. Please contact the Disability Resource Center or either the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students.
  • Medical Services:
    • St. Luke's Convenient Care   
      • 5151 Troost, Suite 200 (located in the North Parking Garage)
      • Kansas City, MO 64110
      • 816-502-9130
    • Goppert Trinity Family Care
      • 6675 Holmes, 3rd Floor
      • Kansas City, MO 64131
      • 816-276-7600
  • External Resources 
VIEW POLICY