WCC Procedures and Statements of Non-Discrimination
Overview
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.
Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate against persons on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. 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.
Medically Justified Leave
The U.S. Department of Education regulations concerning pregnancy and related conditions provide that a college that is a recipient of federal funding shall not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery from these conditions. In the event that the educational institution does not maintain a leave policy for its students (as in the case of WCC), or in the event that a student does not otherwise qualify for an institutional leave under the policy, the institution is required to treat such conditions as justification for a leave of absence for so long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician.
This means that Washtenaw Community College must give all students who might be, are, or have been pregnant the same access to school programs and educational opportunities that other students have. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy must be excused for as long as medically necessary. The student must be given the opportunity to make up missed work, with the goal of having the student graduate on time; if possible, and if desired by the student. These rules supersede any classroom based attendance policy/practices regarding allowable numbers of absences.
Faculty, staff, and administrators should not tell students that they have to drop or withdraw out of their classes or programs or change their educational plans due to their pregnancies or related conditions. In light of this legal requirement, it is critical that faculty and staff who deal with students are knowledgeable about their obligations to students in this situation.
Assistance for Pregnant Students
- For medically excused absences, pregnant students should contact the Dean of Students Office in SC275 for further assistance and information call 734-973-3328 or email [email protected].
- For accommodations, pregnant students should contact Learning Support Services in LA104.
NOTE: The pregnant student must request any adjustments they are seeking for absences due to medical necessity related to their pregnancy. Pregnant students are encouraged to seek assistance for excused absences or accommodations as quickly as possible. It is anticipated and expected that pregnant students will act proactively in communicating the situation with their instructor(s) and if excused time is needed, with the Dean of Students Office. Some options and accommodations cannot be retroactively applied and some classes have limited adjustments that can be made. Pregnant students seeking adjustments and assistance as the medical situation arises will have better options than those notifying the College after the situation is over. Waiting to provide documentation of excused time until the end of the semester or after the semester has ended will severely reduce what assistance the College can offer. Excused absences under Title IX do not follow the same definitions as employment processes such as the FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) or ‘maternity leave’.
Contact the dean of students office
Grievance Process for Pregnant Students
Pregnant students who wish to voice their concern or file a complaint should contact the Dean of Students Office in SC 275 for further assistance and information call at 734-973-3328 or email at [email protected].
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 Office of the Vice President for Student and Academic Affairs, Room SC 247, Student Center Building, 734-973-3536.
Inquiries regarding compliance in employment should be directed to the College Affirmative Action 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 Vice President of Facilities Development and Operations, Room PO 112, Plant Operations Building, 734-677-5322.