» Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against or harassment of students who are pregnant, have just given birth, or have pregnancy related conditions such as false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions or those who take a leave of actions due to the birth or adoption of a child.

As such, Chapman University prohibits harassment or discrimination against pregnant students. This prohibition applies to all classes, co-curricular programs, athletics, honor societies, opportunities for student leadership, or other aspects of any educational program.  Any student who believes that they have experienced harassment or discrimination because they are pregnant, have pregnancy related conditions, or have taken or sought a parental leave should contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@chapman.edu.

Chapman University requires professors and administrators to treat pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions in the same manner and under the same policies as would apply for all other temporary disabilities. 

Additionally, Chapman University will:

  • Excuse students’ absences because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as their doctor deems the absences medically necessary.
  • Allow students to take a parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Allow students to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before their pregnancy-related absence or leave.
  • Give students the opportunity to earn back the credit from classes they miss due to pregnancy, so that they can be reinstated to the status they held before the absence(s).
  • Permit students to make up the work they missed while they were out due to pregnancy or any related conditions, including recovery from childbirth. 
  • Provide the same services to pregnant students that are provided to other students with temporary medical conditions.
  • Not academically penalize for absences related to pregnancy.
  • Note: For employees who are students it is important to note that your rights as an employee are different than your rights as a student. 

The University may require a pregnant student or student who has given birth to submit medical certification for participation in any program only if the program also requires such certification from all students with physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician.  For example, a student who has been hospitalized for childbirth must not be required to submit a medical certificate to return to the program if a certificate is not required of students who have been hospitalized for other conditions.

Lactation Rooms on Campus

Chapman University seeks to provide a welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and guests, and has several lactation rooms throughout the campus to support breastfeeding or nursing parents so that they have the resources they need to balance work, family, and education.

The University offers four Lactation Stations available to assist breastfeeding parents, including campus guests, while they are on-campus.


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