In compliance with the Department of Education's (DOE) regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, SUNY Potsdam shall not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of current, potential or past pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, recovery and all related conditions.
The university provides reasonable academic and other adjustments to support equitable access to education to students who are pregnant or experience a related condition. Students who are seeking accommodations, should contact the Title IX coordinator. They will discuss what resources and accommodations may be available and will help facilitate conversations with the necessary offices or academic departments.
The 2024 law covers the following:
- Pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation;
- Medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; or
- Recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related conditions.
Accommodations
Students who experience pregnancy or a related condition, and who are seeking accommodations, should contact the Title IX coordinator at titleix@potsdam.edu. The Title IX coordinator will meet with the student and assess what resources or reasonable temporary accommodations may be available. The Title IX coordinator will coordinate with the necessary offices, including the Dean of Students, the Office of Accommodative Services, and/or academic departments to ensure equal access for pregnant students.
Accommodations will vary on the specifics of the students’ needs. Examples of accommodations might include:
- A larger desk and chair
- Breaks during class, as needed
- Course policy adjustments, such as modified attendance, flexibility in assignment submission, and making up work and/or exams (to the extent reasonable, and in conjunction with the course instructor)
- Temporary accessible parking
Leave of Absence
Documented absences due to medical conditions related to pregnancy or a related condition will be excused for as long as deemed necessary and educationally practicable. If a Leave of Absence is necessitated, the student will be reinstated at the same status held previous to the leave. To receive more information on applying for a Leave of Absence, you may contact One Stop or visit the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal from the College webpage.
Lactation Space
Students who are nursing have the right to reasonable breaks to express breast milk as well as a private, convenient, and secure place to do so. SUNY Potsdam provides a lactation room to help support nursing parents.
Centrally located on the first floor the Lougheed Learning Commons in room 105 near Minerva’s café and the women’s bathroom, this quaint room is equipped with a chair, table, fridge and outlets. The room is self locking and has a vacant/occupied sign on the door.
If the location that is listed above is not convenient, the Title IX coordinator will also work with students to find appropriate space.
Family Space
If you are in need of a quiet place to sooth, rock, or change your child visit our family space located in Satterlee near the Sheard Literacy center adjoined to the women’s bathroom. This room features a changing table, rocking chair, fridge, toddler size furniture and a few books and small toys.
Reporting Sex Discrimination
If you are pregnant or experiencing a related condition, and believe you have experienced sex discrimination, please contact the Title IX coordinator at titleix@potsdam.edu.