Student Rights
A student who is pregnant or parenting may be provided accommodations so that they
are not excluded from any education program or activity. These accommodations are
determined through a cooperative process between the office of Disability and Access
Services and the faculty member on a case by case basis to determine reasonable accommodations
for the student.
If you are a student who is pregnant or under any of the conditions listed above,
you may receive accommodations similar to those given to students with a temporary
illness when deemed medically necessary.
What qualifies under pregnancy or parenting rights?
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- False pregnancy
- Termination of pregnancy
- Conditions arising in connection with pregnancy
- Recovery from any of those conditions (lasting up to 2 months after delivery)
- Adoption of a child or placement of a foster child during the first 2 months from
the time the child entered the home
How do I request accommodations?
Students seeking pregnancy or parenting accommodations should contact Disability and
Access Services (DAS) at (360) 442-2340. A DAS staff member will discuss the pregnant or parenting individual’s needs, and
may ask for documentation that supports the requested adjustments.
What types of accommodations may I request?
- Specific accommodations will be handled on a case by case basis and will depend on
medical need and academic requirements. Some examples include:
- A larger desk
- Breaks during class, as needed
- Permitting temporary access to elevators
- Rescheduling tests or exams
- Excusing absences due to pregnancy or related conditions
- Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth
- Providing alternatives to make up missed work
- Allowing excused absences for parenting students (both mothers and fathers) who need
to take their children to doctors’ appointments or to take care of their sick children
- Allowing you to return to the same academic or extracurricular status as before your
medical leave began
Is there a space for students to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk?
Lower Columbia College has a dedicated space for students to breastfeed and/or pump
breastmilk. Please contact Disability and Access Services at (360) 442-2340 for location and entry code.
Employee Rights
Pregnant employees may request certain changes to their working environment to accommodate
their pregnancy and health conditions after the birth of the baby, such as the need
to breastfeed or express breast milk. Additionally, through the Family Medical Leave
Act and Paid Family and Medical Leave, employee parents are entitled to time off after
the birth of a baby, placement of a foster child, or adoption.
How do I request accommodations?
Pregnant and parenting employees seeking accommodations or a leave of absence should
contact Human Resources at (360) 442-2120. Leave of absences and some accommodations require medical documentation or other
verifying documentation.
What types of accommodations may I request?
- Leave of absence (consecutive, intermittent, or combination of consecutive and intermittent)
- Job restructuring including but not limited to: modifying a work schedule, job reassignment,
changes to a workstation, equipment, telework
- Frequent, longer, or flexible breaks
- Scheduling flexibility
Click here for more information about your employment and benefits relative to pregnancy.
Is there a space for employees to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk?
Lower Columbia College has a dedicated space for students to breastfeed and/or pump
breastmilk. Please contact Disability and Access Services at (360) 442-2340 for location and entry code.