Pregnancy and Parenting
Overview
City Colleges of Chicago is committed to supporting pregnant students, students who are parents, and those affected by childbirth or related conditions. We aim to create an inclusive, supportive, and non-discriminatory environment that allows all students to succeed.
This page provides important information on your rights, available accommodations, and resources to help you manage your academic responsibilities during pregnancy and parenting.
Title IX provides that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
The United States Department of Education’s regulation implementing Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. The Title IX regulation also prohibits a school from applying any rule related to a student’s parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex.
Under Title IX, the City Colleges of Chicago does not exclude a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program, including school activities.
Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
A student may request reasonable accommodations based on pregnancy, lactation, or a related condition. To begin, please complete (this form).
Once this form has been completed a representative from the EEO Office will reach out to you to discuss next steps.
On-Campus Support for Students
-
Faculty: You have the option to meet with your faculty member to discuss reasonable modifications that may be necessary. It may not be possible to grant accommodations after the fact, so it is better to prepare in advance for any possible scenarios.
-
Wellness Center: City Colleges of Chicago Wellness Centers are here to support your personal wellbeing and academic success. We provide a variety of mental health and other social services to help you navigate life’s challenges.
-
Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office staff are ready to help you explore options for how to pay for college. Financial aid includes grants, work-study, scholarships, and loans. We can guide you to apply, provide any needed documents, and help you understand what awards you’ve been offered and how you’ll receive the money awarded to you.
-
Advising: College advisors are available to assist you at every stage of your education at the City Colleges of Chicago – from clarifying education and career goals, to academic planning, to helping you succeed along your journey, to applying for graduation. Visit your Advisor in-person or via Zoom. Appointments can be made via Navigate.
-
Visit Virtual Student Services for a full list of resources.
Lactation Room Information
Review this guide to find out where to find lactation spaces at each City Colleges of Chicago campus.
What to Do if You’re Unable to Complete Your Classes
If you are unable to complete your semester coursework, connect with your College Advisor or Student Services Office to explore options. Some of those options are listed below.
A student who is experiencing a physical or mental health issue that significantly interferes with the student’s wellbeing, safety, or academic performance may request a voluntary medical withdrawal (VMW), which must be made for all classes.
The student will initiate a request for a voluntary medical withdrawal or a request to return from a voluntary medical withdrawal by notifying the Dean of Student Services. After consideration, the Dean of Student Services will make a recommendation to the President who will make the final decision to grant or deny the student’s request.
CCC policies for class withdrawals and refunds apply (see Class Withdrawals & Refunds for more information).
A student may withdraw from an enrolled class prior to or on the Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (available on my.ccc.edu). Thereafter, the student may withdraw during the remainder of that term only with the approval of the College President or designee upon demonstration of extenuating circumstances.
Reporting a Concern
To report a concern, please review the guidance on our Title IX website: Title IX & You – City Colleges of Chicago (ccc.edu)
