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
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 not be 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 (for those provided by the college or university).
• Allowing the student continued access to campus housing or health insurance coverage.
• Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures determined by the Title IX coordinator.

Other Considerations
When possible, Minnesota colleges and universities will work with students whose pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions impact clinical rotations, performances, labs, group work, or similar aspects of their educational experiences. This may include devising an alternative path to completion. In progressive curricular and/or cohort-model programs, medically necessary leaves are sufficient to permit consideration of shifting course order, substituting similar courses, or joining a subsequent cohort when returning from leave.

Collaboration
Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Minnesota State college and university support systems to devise a plan for how to best address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on tracks 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 information to students regarding 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 only be required when it is necessary and reasonable under the circumstances to determine which reasonable modifications to offer to determine 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 student receives reasonable accommodations for their disability as required by law. 

Certification to Participate
All students should be informed of health and safety risks related to 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.