Pregnancy and Parenting
Kishwaukee College is dedicated to fostering a community free from discrimination, including sex-based discrimination as prohibited by Title IX. Protection extends to students and employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery from any of these conditions. Protection also includes care for infants along with reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a private, clean and reasonably accessible location. The Pregnancy and Parenting web page offers comprehensive information and support for pregnancy- and parenting-related needs. Explore detailed pregnancy and parenting information and resources tailored for students, employees and faculty.
Student Guide
Kishwaukee College is committed to ensuring equitable access for students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions. Under Title IX, the College has a process to ensure the protection and equal treatment of pregnant persons and those with pregnancy-related conditions. Like any other student with a temporary disability, students with pregnancy-related conditions are entitled to reasonable accommodations so they will not be disadvantaged.
Students requesting accommodations must submit the Disability Services Intake Form with supporting documentation. After submitting the form, Disability Services will email you to schedule an intake appointment to discuss your classes, how your condition impacts your education and possible accommodations.
Students who are nursing mothers may use Kish’s lactation room for personal lactation needs. The private room includes comfortable seating, side tables and electrical outlets for breast pumps.
The Kishwaukee College Lactation Room is in C1238.
Lactating students are protected under Title IX and have the right to reasonable breaks and access to private space for expressing breast milk. For assistance or to inquire about accommodations, contact the Disability Services Office or the Title IX Coordinator.
Information for Faculty & Staff
- Title IX requires your institution to provide students affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions with at least the same special services it provides students with temporary disabilities.
- If a student reports a pregnancy-related condition, encourage the student to contact the Director of Disability & Testing Services for assistance. Pregnant students often do not realize their condition may be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Treat pregnancy-related accommodation requests with the same care and process as any other ADA request.
- Include a non-discrimination and accommodation policy in your syllabus.
- Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or bias.
- Inform students they will not be penalized for necessary medical leave.
- Refer students to the Disability Services Office for information and assessment.
Students and employees who are nursing mothers may use Kish’s lactation room for personal lactation needs. The private room includes comfortable seating, side tables and electrical outlets for breast pumps.
The Kishwaukee College Lactation Room is in C1238.
Lactating students are protected under Title IX and have the right to reasonable breaks and access to private space for expressing breast milk. For assistance or to inquire about accommodations, contact the Disability Services Office or the Title IX Coordinator.
Must I excuse a student’s absence due to pregnancy, childbirth, abortion or related conditions?
Yes. Under Title IX, these conditions must be accepted as a justification for absence if medically necessary, regardless of your attendance policy. Students cannot be penalized for such absences and must return to the same academic status. Please refer students to Disability Services to discuss potential options or accommodations.
Can I ask for a doctor’s note for an absence?
You can ask for a doctor’s note regarding the absence as long as you require notes from other students who must miss class or assignments for medical reasons. The note does not have to reveal any personal medical information. The student’s privacy should be respected.
Must I provide accommodation for pregnant students?
Yes. Students affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions may be eligible for at least the same accommodations given to students with temporary disabilities. Refer students to Disability Services for more information on accommodations and Title IX.
Employee
Employees who may need a reasonable accommodation due to conditions resulting from pregnancy should contact Human Resources (HR) at kishHR@kish.edu or 815-825-9370 to participate in an interactive discussion.
Employees who need to take a leave of absence due to pregnancy or childbirth should contact HR to discuss the Family Medical Leave Act or other available leaves of absence.
Employees will be provided with a reasonable paid break time to express milk for one year after a child’s birth, unless the break time would create an undue hardship. Hardship exclusions must be discussed with Human Resources.
The Kishwaukee College Lactation Room is in C1238.
Students and employees who are nursing mothers may use Kish’s Lactation Room for personal lactation needs. The private room includes comfortable seating, side tables and electrical outlets for breast pumps.