Two lab students
  1. Policy Summary
    North Central Missouri College is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sex discrimination, which can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status, is prohibited and illegal in admissions, educational programs and activities, hiring, leave policies, employment policies, and health insurance coverage. North Central Missouri College hereby establishes a policy and procedures for ensuring the protection and equal treatment of pregnant persons, individuals with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents.
  2. Policy Text
    1. Definitions
      1. “Pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions” include childbirth, pregnancy, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, pregnancy or infant loss, breastfeeding and/or expelling breastmilk, conditions arising with any of these conditions and/or recovery from any of these conditions.
      2. “Pregnant student/Birth parent” refers to the student who is or was pregnant.
      3. “Parenting student” is defined as a student (male or female) who is fulfilling the role of a parent for a biological, adopted, or foster child; a legal ward; or a relative for whom the student has primary caretaking responsibilities.
    2. Non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation of students affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions
      • North Central Missouri College and its faculty, staff, and other employees shall not require a student to disclose their pregnancy or limit or modify their studies due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions. Any pregnancy or pregnant related disclosures are voluntary and declarations can be withdrawn.
      • Students with pregnancy-related disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation and will not be disadvantaged in their courses of study or research and may seek assistance from the Accessibility Services Office or Title IX Coordinator.
      • Reasonable modifications shall be provided based on the student’s self-attestation in most cases.
      • If extended time off, intermittent time off, a leave of absence or medical withdrawal is requested, documentation from a physician may be requested. The requested documentation will be limited to no more than is sufficient to confirm that the modification is medically necessary, and pregnancy related. When applicable, dates should be included.
      • Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to, those noted below:
        • Modifications to the physical environment (such as accessible seating)
        • Carry water or keep water nearby
        • Take breaks to eat, drink, or use the restroom
        • Sit or stand
        • Access lactation breaks and space
        • No lifting (weight determined by physician)
        • Make up of missed work due to pregnancy or related conditions, including exams, assignments, and class participation without penalty
        • Resume participation
        • Intermittent leave
        • Leave of absence
        • Allowing the student to withdraw from coursework without penalty
      • If the pregnant or parenting student chooses to withdraw from courses, the Registrar’s Office must be notified through procedures outlined in the College Catalog.
      • Lactation Facilities and Breastfeeding Students
        • Breastfeeding students will be granted reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a location that is private, clean, and reasonably accessible.
        • North Central Missouri College has a lactation room on the main level of the Nuttall Student Center. A lactation room is also available at the Savannah location on the 2nd floor.  If there are questions or concerns regarding space, contact the Accessibility Services Office or the Title IX Coordinator.
    3. Academic Leave of Absence
      • Faculty, staff, or other employees shall not require a student to take a leave of absence, or withdraw from or limit studies due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions
      • Pursuant to Title IX, North Central Missouri College shall treat pregnancy and related conditions as a justification for a leave of absence for as long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by a student’s physician.
      • A student taking a leave of absence under this policy shall provide notice of the intent to take leave thirty days prior to the initiation of leave when possible, or as soon as practicable. Failure to provide advance notice shall not result in denial of leave or reasonable modifications.
      • Intermittent leave may be taken when medically necessary due to the student’s health condition.
      • Upon return from leave, the student will be reinstated to the same academic status as when the leave began and without penalty.
      • Continuation of the student’s scholarship or similar college-sponsored funding during the leave term will depend on the policies of the funding program.
    4. Complaints
      • Harassment by any member of the North Central Missouri College community based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, or parental status is prohibited. Any member of the NCMC community may report a violation of this Policy to the Title IX Coordinator.
      • Students are encouraged to discuss disability-related concerns with the Accessibility Services Coordinator.
      • Complaints alleging discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions shall be processed in accordance with NCMC’s Title IX grievance procedures. Contact:
        • Dr. Kristen Alley
          Vice President of Student Affairs/Title IX Coordinator
          1301 Main Street, Trenton, MO 64683
          Email: [email protected]
      • If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, a student may choose to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. Complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination. OCR may extend the 180-day deadline if “good cause” can be shown.
        •  Complaints can be filed using OCR’s electronic complaint form.
          you were discriminated against.
        • Upon receipt, OCR will review the information provided. If OCR determines they do not have the authority to investigate your complaint, they will, if possible, refer it to an appropriate agency.
    5. Dissemination of the Policy and Training
      A copy of this Policy shall be made available to employees in their required training, as well as posted on the NCMC website. NCMC shall alert all new students to this Policy and the location of this Policy as part of orientation.