Pregnancy and Parenting

Pregnancy and Lactation Policy for Students

Point Loma Nazarene University is dedicated to providing equal access to its education programs and activities for all students and to fostering a community that welcomes and supports pregnant and parenting students, regardless of their marital status. The University will not tolerate discrimination or harassment against or exclude any student on the basis of a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, or parenting status (Reporting Form). This policy applies to individuals who are seeking admission, are currently admitted, or are currently enrolled at the University. Additionally, this includes expectant, non-birthing expectant, and new parents. If you are a student employee, please consult Human Resources for modifications during work hours. It is recommended that students work with faculty members and the Title IX office to devise a plan dependent upon the needs at hand. See below for a partial list of appropriate, reasonable modifications for students. Please note that nothing in this policy is intended to fundamentally alter course requirements or other aspects of the education program or activity. The Title IX Coordinator or Legal and Compliance Coordinator will assist with plan development and implementation as needed.

Modifications

The University offers appropriate and reasonable modifications to students who are expectant, non-birthing expectant, and new parents. These modifications are for the first six weeks, but can be extended when deemed medically necessary. Although not exhaustive, this list includes modifications (e.g., in class, in Residence Halls/Apts, for assignments) such as: 

  • Absences and alternative instruction (e.g., for fieldwork, missed coursework, attendance points) 
  • Extended deadlines 
  • Physical modifications (e.g., larger desks, elevator access) 
  • Modifications for pregnancy-related disabilities (please see below for Education Access Center contact information) 
  • Voluntary leave of absence (please see below for more information). 
  • Backdated withdrawals from class 

If a student is experiencing pregnancy or childbirth complications that require more than the Title IX modifications, they will need to contact the Educational Access Center at eac@pointloma.edu.

Leave of Absence

The University can also grant pregnant and parenting students a voluntary leave of absence at their request. As long as a student can maintain appropriate academic progress, faculty, staff, or other University employees cannot require a student to take a leave of absence, withdraw from, or limit their studies as the result of pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, or recovery from any of these listed conditions for the time required. 

For more information on specific questions (e.g. scholarships, grants, fellowships, etc…) and to obtain documents needed for a leave, students in Traditional Undergraduate programs should contact the Student Care office at studentcare@pointloma.edu. For those students in Hybrid or Online Undergraduate Programs and Graduate Programs, please contact your Student Success Counselor or Program Director.

Lactation Policy

The University is committed to making sure that our students have lactation rooms/wellness rooms for those who need to express milk during the course of their studies. Please contact the Legal and Compliance Coordinator for access to these rooms. 

We encourage our students to work with their faculty and instructors if they are needing to be excused from class or during class to use the lactation/wellness rooms. Please note that instructors are prohibited from penalizing lactating students for their absence to express milk. If you are performing paid work for the University, please reach out to your advisor or HR for further information pertaining to breaks. 

There are reasonable modifications offered to our students that are needed because of lactation and medical conditions relating to lactation. Some of the modifications depend on a case-by-case basis and we will do our best to meet your needs. Please see below for locations and information pertaining to the lactation/wellness rooms:

  • Access to Private Wellness Spaces: These rooms should be equipped with a table, chair, electrical outlet, and access to running water in the room or nearby. Additionally, they should be clean, free from view and intrusion, and easily accessible. If you are denied access or these rooms do not meet the above standard, please contact titleix@pointloma.edu. In addition, please contact the email or phone number below to gain access to these rooms. 
  • The University provides access to the following private rooms: 

Parental Accommodations for All Parents 

This policy provides modifications during the first six weeks of parenting responsibilities for students who are biological parents, adoptive, obtaining guardianship, fostering, and step-parents. This policy can also be applied to a student who has a child that may be hospitalized. 

Please note that this includes the listed modifications above and the Title IX Coordinator will provide further information if another type of modification is needed. We also recommend that you reach out to your faculty and instructors to notify them in advance, so they are aware of the absences and how to address late or missing work. If you believe that you will not be able to return to class, you may request a backdated withdrawal from the Title IX office (please see further information in the full policy document). 

For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator or Legal and Compliance Coordinator. 

PLNU Pregnancy and Parenting Policy

Title IX Coordinator 
titleix@pointloma.edu 
(619) 849-2313 

Legal and Compliance Coordinator 
hmcclary@pointloma.edu 
compliance@pointloma.edu 
(619) 849-2922