Frequently Asked Questions

How can Title IX help ensure that my pregnancy or family responsibilities does not interfere with my education or employment?

Title IX requires professors and administrators treat pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions in the same manner as any other temporary disability. Fayetteville State University (FSU) can require a pregnant student to provide a doctor’s certification of fitness to continue in an education program or activity only if the same requirement is imposed on all other students with physical or emotional conditions requiring a doctor’s care. Pregnant students must be provided the same accommodations and support services available to other students with similar medical needs. Your professors or administrators should not tell you that you have to drop out of your classes or academic program or change your educational plans due to your pregnancy. If you have a concern regarding your status as a pregnant or parenting student at Fayetteville State University, please contact the Office of Title IX.

Do my professors have to excuse my absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, or abortion?

The Title IX Office can provide a class absence notification to request that professors excuse your absences due to pregnancy and related conditions. This includes absences for labor, delivery, and recovery, as well as prenatal and postpartum appointments and adoption. It is important to contact the Title IX Office as soon as you know that you will need excused absences and provide the necessary documentation for the absence.

At the end of your leave, you must be reinstated to the status you held prior to your leave. After returning from an excused absence, professors must allow a reasonable amount of time to make up missed assignments and tests. The makeup assignments and tests must be reasonably equivalent to those missed but need not be identical. If an instructor provides specific “points” or other advantages to students based on class attendance, you must be given the opportunity to earn the credit from classes missed due to pregnancy or related conditions.

What if my instructor says their absence/makeup policy applies regardless of any medical condition?

Please contact the Office of Title IX and Clery Compliance if you have questions about your professor’s attendance policy as it relates to your pregnancy or parental responsibilities.

Does the university need to provide me with special academic services, like tutoring?

The Title IX Office can provide assistance and referral to academic services. Please contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uncfsu.edu.

If my program requires internships, career rotations, or other off-campus elements, can I be excluded from participation?

No. You have the right to participate in all elements of your program while pregnant or parenting, subject to reasonable requirements of the program. If your program provides opportunities to “work in the field,” you cannot be excluded based on your pregnancy, unless there is a safety concern. For example, pregnant students may be excluded from activities that present a safety threat to them or their pregnancy. However, the University must provide a legitimate reason and a comparable opportunity.

What accommodations are available for pregnant students? 

Excused absences and medical leave that are deemed medically necessary related to pregnancy. The Office of Title IX will work with both the student and the student’s faculty members to create a plan for completion of coursework and continuation of the student’s education. Individual plans may be adjusted as circumstances change.

Opportunity to make up any work missed due to medically necessary absences for pregnancy

Reasonable adjustments to an education program or activity which include, but are not limited to: Accessible seating (i.e. a larger desk); Appropriate restroom breaks; Excused absences related to medically necessary appointments; Academic adjustments related to childbirth

Do I need to provide documentation of my pregnancy?

Yes. A student seeking accommodations, adjustments, or requesting excused absences related to pregnancy will need to provide official documentation from the student’s physician. The student’s physician should provide dates on which the student’s attendance must be excused and a statement that the absences are deemed medically necessary.

My professor says it’s unsafe for me to do certain lab experiments or be exposed to certain chemicals. How can I make sure I’m getting the experience I need?

You have the right to participate in the University’s programs and activities. If you and/or your doctor feel that participation is unsafe, your program must give you a chance to make up assignments later. The choice to participate, subject to legitimate safety concerns or policies, is yours to make. However, the University will not be liable if you choose to participate in an activity that an employee informs you may be unsafe.

What if classmates or professors have made offensive comments to me about my pregnancy?

Title IX requires Fayetteville State University to prevent and address sex-based harassment, including harassment based on pregnancy. If you experience this sort of treatment, you should report it immediately to titleix@uncfsu.edu. The law prohibits anyone from retaliating against you for filing a complaint or reporting such conduct.

I want to return to school three days after I have the baby, so I do not fall too far behind. But my department head thinks I should take more time off to recover. What should I do?

It is up to you and your doctor to decide when you will return. The University cannot force you to take more leave.

I want to breastfeed my infant. Where can I use a breast pump while I am on campus?

Fayetteville State University Lactation Station is located in the Nursing Building, Room 215.

I’m a student-athlete. Can I still play if I’m pregnant?

You and your doctor should decide whether you can play sports, not your coach or the athletics department. You should read the NCAA Pregnant and Parenting Student-Athletes: Resources and Model Policies. Please contact the Title IX Office if you have any questions or concerns.

I have an athletic scholarship from my university. Can they take my scholarship away if they find out I am pregnant?

No. Fayetteville State University cannot change or withdraw your scholarship during your award term based on pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions. The Athletics department has the option to renew the athletics scholarship for the next academic year as long as the student-athlete remains engaged with all non-physical requirements set forth by the Athletics department/ team and maintains communication with the coaching staff.

I have a merit or need-based scholarship. Can my university take away my scholarship if they find out I am pregnant?

No. Fayetteville State University cannot end or reduce merit or need-based scholarships based on pregnancy. If you stay in good standing in your program and meet the requirements for the scholarship, you must be allowed to keep your scholarship.