Non-Discrimination Statement
Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status as provided for and to the extent required by federal and state statutes, nor does the College discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and related conditions—in educational programs and activities that are eligible for federal funding.
This information is provided both to inform and remind the College community of the institution’s obligation not to discriminate against students on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions.
Students may request reasonable modifications as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.
Request for Pregnancy Related Information/Modifications
Assistance for Pregnant Students
For medically excused absences and modifications, pregnant students should contact the Dean of Students Office in SC275 for further assistance and information call 734-973-3328 or email TitleIX@wccnet.edu.
Request for Pregnancy Related Information/Modifications
Definitions
Pregnancy and Related Conditions. The full spectrum of processes and events connected with pregnancy, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; related medical conditions; and recovery therefrom.
Reasonable Modifications. Individualized modifications to Washtenaw Community College’s policies, practices, or procedures that do not fundamentally alter the education program or activity.
Notification of Rights
Any Washtenaw Community College employee who becomes aware of a student’s pregnancy or related condition is required to provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and communicate that the Coordinator can help take specific actions to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to Washtenaw Community College’s educational programs and activities. If the employee has a reasonable belief that the Title IX Coordinator is already aware of the pregnancy or related condition, the employee is not required to provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.
Upon notification of a student’s pregnancy or related condition, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will contact the student and inform the student of Washtenaw Community College’s obligations to:
- Prohibit sex discrimination.
- Provide reasonable modifications.
- Allow access, on a voluntary basis, to any separate and comparable portion of the institution’s educational programs or activities.
- Allow a voluntary leave of absence.
- Ensure lactation space availability.
- Maintain a Resolution Process for alleged discrimination.
- Treat pregnancy as comparable to other temporary medical conditions for medical benefit, service, plan, or policy purposes.
The Title IX Coordinator will also notify the student of the process to file a complaint for alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, as applicable.
Reasonable Modifications for Students
Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to Reasonable Modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access to Washtenaw Community College educational programs and activities. Any student seeking Reasonable Modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss appropriate and available Reasonable Modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request Reasonable Modifications as promptly as possible, although retroactive modifications may be available in some circumstances. Reasonable Modifications are voluntary, and a student can accept or decline the offered Reasonable Modifications. Not all Reasonable Modifications are appropriate for all contexts.
Reasonable Modifications may include:
- Breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or related conditions, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom
- Intermittent absences to attend medical appointments
- Access to online or homebound education
- Changes in schedule or course sequence
- Time extensions for coursework and rescheduling of tests and examinations
- Allowing a student to sit or stand, or carry or keep water nearby
- Counseling
- Changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or a footrest)
- Elevator access
- A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment
- Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures determined by the Title IX Coordinator
In situations such as clinical rotations, performances, labs, and group work, the institution will work with the student to devise an alternative path to completion, if possible. In progressive curricular and/or cohort-model programs, medically necessary leaves are sufficient cause to permit the student to shift course order, substitute similar courses, or join a subsequent cohort when returning from leave. Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Washtenaw Community College’s 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 track as efficiently and comfortably as possible. The Title IX Coordinator will assist with plan development and implementation as needed.
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 equal access.
Information about pregnant students’ requests for modifications will be shared with faculty and staff only to the extent necessary to provide the Reasonable Modification.
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 Learning Support Services to ensure the 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 may not be required to provide health care provider 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 institution requires such certification of all students participating; and
- The information obtained is not used as a basis for pregnancy-related discrimination.
Lactation Space Access
In support of our students and employees, three lactation rooms are available for use. The rooms offer a secure and private place for the mother to express milk for their nursing children.
Lactation spaces are located in the following locations
- Crane Liberal Arts and Science Building (LA) – LA 253 Suite I
- Business Education Building (BE) – BE 178
- Morris Lawrence Building (ML) – ML 164
To make arrangements to use one of the lactation rooms
Students/Faculty/Staff should contact the Student Resource Center (SRC) via email src@wccnet.edu or phone at 734-677-5105.
The lactation rooms are available for both day and evening hours.
Guidelines for using the Lactation Room
- Space is available for one nursing mother. Room use will be scheduled by SRC based on request.
- You may access up to three times per day for approximately 15-20 minutes each visit. If additional time is needed, please discuss your individual needs with SRC when you initially request to use the room.
- If you anticipate using the room in the evening, ask the staff person how to access the room after 5 p.m. when you initially request to use the room.
- The room may only be used for its intended use. It may not be used as a study room, gathering space, or lounge.
- Other individuals and acquaintances are not permitted in the room.
- WCC Custodial staff will clean lactation rooms once per day. Students/employees may use WCC provided disinfecting wipes before and after use, as desired
Leaves of Absence
Students
Students are permitted to take a voluntary leave of absence for a reasonable time as deemed medically necessary by their healthcare provider because of pregnancy and/or the birth, adoption, or placement of a child. The leave term may be extended in the case of extenuating circumstances or medical necessity. While registered under that status, students who choose to take a leave of absence under this policy can elect to keep their health insurance coverage and continue residing in Recipient housing, subject to the payment of applicable fees.
To the extent possible, Washtenaw Community College will take reasonable steps to ensure that students who take a leave of absence or medical leave return to the same position of academic progress that they were in when they took leave, including access to the same or an equivalent course catalog that was in place when the leave began.
Continuation of students’ scholarships, or similar Washtenaw Community College-sponsored funding during the leave term will depend on student registration status and the policies of the funding program regarding registration status. Students will not be negatively impacted by or forfeit their future eligibility for their scholarship, or similar Recipient-supported funding by exercising their rights under this policy.
The Title IX Office can and will advocate for students with respect to financial aid agencies and external scholarship providers in the event that a leave of absence places eligibility into question.
In order to initiate a leave of absence, the student must contact the Title IX Coordinator at least 30 calendar days prior to the initiation of leave, or as soon as practicable. The Coordinator will assist the student in completing any necessary paperwork.
Grievance Process for Pregnant Students
Pregnant students who wish to voice their concern or file a complaint should contact the Title IX Coordinator in SC 251 for further assistance and information call at 734-973-3328 or email at TitleIX@wccnet.edu.
ADA/EEO/Title IX/Section 504 Compliance Statements Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, marital status, or veteran status in provision of its educational programs and services or in employment opportunities and benefits.
WCC is committed to compliance in all of its activities and services with the requirements of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Public Act 453, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Public Act 220, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Inquiries concerning programs and services as they relate to Title IX and Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act should be directed to the VP Student Services, Room SC 251, Student Center Building, 734-677-5477.
Inquiries regarding compliance in employment should be directed to the Vice President Labor Relations & Chief Human Resources Officer in the Office of Human Resource Management, Room 120, Business Education Building, 734-973-3497.
Inquiries concerning access to facilities should be directed to the AVP Facilities Operations, Room PO 112, Plant Operations Building, 734-677-5322.
Title IX Dissemination and Training
A copy of the Title IX will be made available to faculty and employees in annually required training and posted on the Washtenaw Community College website. Washtenaw Community College will alert all new students about this policy and the location of this policy as part of orientation. The Title IX Office will make educational materials available to all members of the Washtenaw Community College community to promote compliance with this policy and familiarity with its procedures.