Reasonable Modifications for Students

Employee Responsibility

Students who are pregnant or are experiencing pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equitable access to Minnesota State education programs and activities. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Title IX coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinator, or designee to discuss appropriate and available reasonable modifications based on their individual needs.

Student Responsibility

Students are encouraged to request reasonable modifications as promptly as reasonably possible; some modifications may be provided retroactively. Modifications that result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity, or an undue financial or administrative burden, will not be provided. Information about pregnant students' requests for modifications will be shared with faculty and staff only to the extent necessary to provide the reasonable modification. 

Examples of Modifications

Examples of Modifications

Reasonable modifications will be identified and implemented through an interactive process between the college or university and the individual seeking the modification(s). Reasonable modifications may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed/chestfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or related conditions, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom.
• Excused absences for pregnancy-related conditions.
• Access to online education when available.
• Changes in schedule or course sequence.
• Time extensions for coursework and rescheduling of tests and examinations.
• Early and/or extended access to course materials.
• Allowing a student to sit or stand.
• Allowing a student to carry or keep water nearby, or to eat or drink in class. 
• Permission to leave class suddenly.
• Changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or footrest).
• Elevator access.
• Alternative testing site.
• Extended test time (1.5).
• Limited exposure to chemicals.
• Limited lifting requirements.
• A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment (provided by the college or university).
• Allowing the student to continue access to campus housing or health insurance coverage.
• Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures are determined by the Title IX coordinator.

Reasonable Modification Request

Other Considerations

When possible, Minnesota colleges and universities will work with students whose pregnancies or pregnancy-related conditions affect clinical rotations, performances, labs, group work, or other aspects of their educational experience. This may include devising an alternative path to completion. In progressive curricular and/or cohort-model programs, medically necessary leave is sufficient to permit consideration of shifting course order, substituting similar courses, or joining a subsequent cohort upon return from leave.

Collaboration

Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Minnesota State college and university support systems to devise a plan to best address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leave, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on track as efficiently and comfortably as possible. The Title IX coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinator, or designee will assist with plan development and implementation as needed. Each college/university shall provide students with information on the process for reasonable modifications. Students are not required to use or access any modification. 

Reasonable Modifications vs. Accommodations

Supporting documentation for reasonable modifications will be required only when necessary and reasonable under the circumstances to determine which reasonable modifications to offer and other specific actions to take to ensure equitable access.

Students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions that manifest as a temporary disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are eligible for reasonable accommodations just like any other student with a temporary disability.

The Title IX coordinator will consult with and/or refer the accessibility or disability resources staff at the college or university to ensure that the student receives reasonable accommodations for their disability as required by law. 

Certification to Participate

All students should be informed of the health and safety risks associated with participation in academic and co-curricular activities, regardless of pregnancy status. A student is not required to provide health care providers (or other) certification that the student is physically able to participate in the program or activity, unless:

• The certified level of physical ability or health is necessary for participation;
• The college or university requires such certification of all students participating, and
• The information obtained is not used as a basis for pregnancy-related discrimination.