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Pregnancy & Related Conditions

Title IX protects pregnant and parenting individuals and requires equal access and equal participation for pregnant and parenting in educational programs and activities including work, clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities and other activities. Title VII and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protect pregnant employees by forbidding discrimination on the basis of sex based on pregnancy. WCU has many resources available to individuals who identify as pregnant or parenting.

This page has information and resources for all individuals on campus who identify as pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, followed by resources specifically for students and employees. Individuals can find information about the request process for reasonable accommodations as well as the complaint form for individuals who feel they have been discriminated against based on the basis of pregnancy.

Pregnancy or related conditions include:

    • Pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation
    • Medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation
    • Recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or their related medical conditions

An individual who is interested in requesting a reasonable accommodation due to pregnancy should submit the Pregnancy & Related Conditions Request for Assistance Form.  For additional assistance, please contact the Title IX Office at dshopkins@wcu.wcu or 828.227.7116.

Please Note: The inclusion of the below referenced resources are for informational purposes only. Please note this is not an institutional endorsement of products or services. Hyperlinks are current as of the updated date listed at the bottom of this page. The inclusion or exclusion of any resource does not reflect any attitudes or perspectives of the Title IX Office.

Student Resources

Pregnant and parenting students can use the following resources to assist them.

  • WCU policy states that pregnant or parenting students may not be prevented from attending class on the basis of pregnancy. Absences due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery from any aforementioned condition will be excused with documentation from a medical professional indicating that the absences are necessary.
  • Faculty members must allow students the opportunity to make up the work missed while out due to pregnancy or any related conditions, including recovery from childbirth. If a faculty member awards “points” or other advantages based on class attendance, students must be given the opportunity to earn back the credit from classes missed because of pregnancy.
  • Reasonable adjustments can be made by a faculty member to students needing assistance.
  • Students seeking assistance can contact the Title IX Office.
  • Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, NC offers Parent Education Classes including: Preparation for Childbirth, Newborn Care, Super Siblings, The Mother’s Connection
  • Birthstone Breastfeeding & Wellness Center in Sylva, NC offers lactation services, Chiropractic Care, occupational therapy, Full-spectrum doula services, classes, free support groups, perinatal mental health therapy, a retail space where you can find maternity clothes, cloth diapers and more. 
  • Jackson County Department of Public Health Women’s Health, Family Planning, and Maternal Health
  • Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center can inform you of options and resources available to you for parenting, adoption and termination.  Other services available include counseling, pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, appointments, Harmoni mobile medical unit. 
  • Pampers offers Childbirth Education Classes. It is 9-part series, led by clinical childbirth experts, provides in-depth information for new parents on all stages of the childbirth journey— from contractions and stages of labor to breastfeeding and check-ups.
  • Parenting students may be eligible for a childcare subsidy. Apply with NCDHHS. You may be eligible if any of the following apply to your situation:
    • you are working or are attempting to find work;
    • you are in school or in a job training program (undergraduate students only);
    • your child is receiving child protective services;
    • your child needs care to support child welfare services or if your family is experiencing a crisis;
    • your child has developmental needs.
  • Pregnant and parenting students are able to participate in extracurricular activities, including student organizations, academic societies and athletic programs. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits the limitation of student involvement on the basis of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.
  • Student Health Services provides a Women’s Clinic.  This clinic offers services relating to pregnancy prevention methods, testing and referrals.  Your student health fee covers most of the cost of these services, provided you are enrolled in at least six credit hours. You need not be enrolled in the university’s health plan to be entitled to these services. To schedule an appointment: 828.227.7640 | Medical emergency: 828.227.8911 | Bird Building | CAThealth.wcu.edu
  • The North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) outlines the responsibility of state agencies when providing lactation support. North Carolina agencies must provide adequate space, privacy, and time to nursing mothers in the workplace for up to one year after childbirth.  This applies to our employees here at WCU.   Office of State Human Resources Policy: Lactation Support
  • WCU must provide a private space other than a restroom or common area. This space must have a door that can lock, adequate lighting, seating, and electrical outlets for pumping equipment.
  • We are also required to give nursing students a reasonable amount of time to express breast milk. 
  • Please talk with the Title IX Coordinator to assist you in locating a private space.  

 

Employee Resources

Faculty and staff members can use the following resources to assist them.

  • Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, NC offers Parent Education Classes including: Preparation for Childbirth, Newborn Care, Super Siblings, The Mother’s Connection
  • Birthstone Breastfeeding & Wellness Center in Sylva, NC offers lactation services, Chiropractic Care, occupational therapy, Full-spectrum doula services, classes, support groups, perinatal mental health therapy and more. 
  • Jackson County Department of Public Health Women’s Health, Family Planning, and Maternal Health
  • Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center can inform you of options and resources available to you for parenting, adoption and termination.  Other services available include counseling, pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, appointments, Harmoni mobile medical unit. 
  • Pampers offers Childbirth Education Classes. It is 9-part series, led by clinical childbirth experts, provides in-depth information for new parents on all stages of the childbirth journey— from contractions and stages of labor to breastfeeding and check-ups.
  • On September 1, 2019, the Board of Governors approved a Paid Parental Leave Policy that provides eligible state employees dedicated leave time for care and bonding with a newborn or a child under the age of eighteen (18), newly placed for adoption, foster, or other legal placement. Western Carolina University implemented the Paid Parental Leave benefit on January 1, 2020.
    • Paid Parental Leave provides eligible state employees leave time for care and bonding with a newborn or a child under the age of eighteen, newly placed for adoption, foster or other legal placement.
  • The North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) outlines the responsibility of state agencies when providing lactation support. North Carolina agencies must provide adequate space, privacy, and time to nursing mothers in the workplace for up to one year after childbirth.  This applies to our employees here at WCU.   Office of State Human Resources Policy: Lactation Support
  • WCU must provide a private space other than a restroom or common area. This space must have a door that can lock, adequate lighting, seating, and electrical outlets for pumping equipment.
  • We are also required to give nursing employees a reasonable amount of time to express breast milk. WCU may require employees to use a regularly scheduled paid break to express breast milk. If an employee requires more time to express her breast milk, WCU must make reasonable efforts to provide paid leave or allow employees to use unpaid time.
  • Please talk with your supervisor to assist you in locating a private space.  If your supervisor is unable to locate a private space or your position takes you to multiple areas on campus, please contact Human Resources Employee Relations for assistance.  

Reporting Harassment or Discrimination

Federal and state law and university policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy. If you have questions, contact the Title IX Office.

REPORT A CONCERN 

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Pregnancy & Related Conditions

Request Form
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Harassment & Discrimination

File a Report

Other Resources

Contact Us

PREGNANT & PARENTING STUDENTS
Deidre Hopkins
Title IX Coordinator
Legal Counsel and Institutional Integrity
520 H.F. Robinson
828.227.7116
dshopkins@wcu.edu

PREGNANT & PARENTING EMPLOYEES
Trisha Ray
Human Resources Consultant
Human Resources & Payroll
302 H.F. Robinson
828.227.7218
trisharay@wcu.edu

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