Students who are pregnant or nursing and are seeking accommodations, should contact the Office of Accommodative Services (OAS). They will discuss what resources and accommodations may be available and will help facilitate conversations with the necessary offices or academic departments. If you are a new parent or if you will be soon, here is information that will help.
Accommodations
Students who experience complications due to pregnancy or childbirth and who are seeking accommodations should contact the Office of Accommodative Services (OAS) at OAS@potsdam.edu or (315)-267-3267. OAS staff will meet with the student and assess what resources or reasonable temporary accommodations may be available. OAS will coordinate with the necessary offices, including the Dean of Students, the Title IX Coordinator, 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
- 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 parenting 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
Nursing students 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 Office of Accommodative Services 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 parenting and believe you have experienced sex discrimination, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at watersal@potsdam.edu or (315) 267-2224.