If you’re pregnant while attending the University of Utah, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX (OEO) is here to help you succeed in your classes and take care of your health.

“Whatever stage of education a student is at, whatever stage of pregnancy they are in, we can work with them promptly and creatively to make adjustments that they may not have even thought were possible,” said Erin Sullivan, associate director of the OEO.

Under Title IX, higher education institutions are required to provide reasonable adjustments to support students in protecting their health and educational opportunities throughout their pregnancy and any pregnancy-related conditions, such as a miscarriage or termination. Staff in the U’s OEO office are there to advocate for the individualized support students need.

Accommodations vary on a case-by-case basis and may include the following:

• Extra breaks
• Time off for doctor appointments
• Extra time to complete assignments
• Front or post-loading coursework
• Alternatives to group work
• Leave as needed

If a student has an education experience that is administered by an outside entity, such as a clinic or a professional test, OEO staff can act as a liaison to help a student request needed accommodations. More information about resources and accommodations can be found here.

Amy Gee began the U’s three-year master’s of social work program as part of the St. George cohort last year. Her due date was the first week of class and since she was new to the program, she wasn’t sure how to reach out to her professors. With the support of the OEO, Gee was able to coordinate with her professors to attend class virtually for six weeks while she recovered from giving birth.

“This was my first baby and I was worried about what would happen to my schooling if I experienced complications and needed to be in the hospital for an extended period,” Gee said. “Knowing that I had a resource at the university to support me was a relief.”

Students who need support for pregnancy or related conditions can begin the process by filling out this form. The university does not keep a record of pregnant students and in most cases will not require any documentation to assist a student with reasonable modifications. Accommodations are provided by semester. If a student needs support to continue, they will need to initiate the process again.

Under recently implemented Title IX regulations, university employees are required to inform pregnant students or students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions that the OEO can support them in accessing academic modifications.

“It is nice to have these procedures crystalized not only so that students can better understand their rights, but also so employees can better understand how to support these students,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan hopes this policy change will increase the number of students who reach out to her office for pregnancy-related support.

“I think a lot of students are either not aware of resources or, due to timing, don’t seek any adjustments and power through,” she said.