Pregnancy and Parenting Students Accommodations for Students

Rockhurst University is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students.

A student who becomes pregnant is strongly encouraged to notify Rockhurst University’s (“Rockhurst”) Title IX Coordinator as soon as possible. This allows the student and Rockhurst to collaborate and develop an appropriate plan for the continuation of the student’s education in light of the unique nature of Rockhurst’s programs and any clinical requirements, as well as particular challenges the student may face while pregnant or when recovering from childbirth (e.g., missed classes, clinicals, make-up work, etc.). However, the choice to declare a pregnancy is voluntary, and a student is not required to disclose this information to Rockhurst.

Students with parenting responsibilities who wish to remain engaged in their coursework while adjusting their academic responsibilities because of the birth or adoption of their child or placement of a foster child or other extraordinary parenting responsibilities may request an academic modification period.

What types of accommodations/adjustments may I request?

Students seeking accommodations/adjustments should fill out the Pregnancy or Parent Adjustment Request for Students Form. Specific adjustments will be handled on a case-by-case basis and will depend on medical need and academic requirements. Examples include, but are not limited to:   

  • Providing accommodations/adjustments requested by a pregnant student to protect the health and safety of the student and/or pregnancy (such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances);
  • Making adjustments to the physical environment (such as accessible seating);
  • Extending deadlines and/or allowing the student to make up tests or assignments missed for pregnancy-related absences;
  • Excusing medically necessary absences; and
  • Granting leave or implementing incomplete grades for classes that will be resumed at a future date.

Requests from Undergraduate and graduate students should be directed to:

Kimberly Brant Schmelzle
Director of Compliance and Risk Management/Title IX Coordinator
Conway 102
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO 641110
816‑501‑4036
TitleIX@rockhurst.edu

In certain situations, pregnancy-related complications or disabilities may make it appropriate for Rockhurst to provide additional reasonable accommodations. You can find more information on requesting accommodations for pregnancy-related disabilities here or contact the following staff with questions:

Disability Resource Center
drc@rockhurst.edu
Van Ackeren 200 F- within the Learning Center
Office 816-501-4037 

Additional Rockhurst Resources:

  • Lactation Room: Arrupe 115 and Sedgwick 117. Please contact either the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students or Disability Resource Center with any questions on how to access this room.
  • Medical Services:
    • St. Luke's Urgent Care   
      • 5151 Troost, Suite 200 (located in the North Parking Garage)
      • Kansas City, MO 64110
      • 816-502-9130
    • Goppert Trinity Family Care
      • 6675 Holmes, 3rd Floor
      • Kansas City, MO 64131
      • 816-276-7600
  • External Resources 
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