Princeton University works to ensure that Princeton’s programs and classrooms are accessible to all students experiencing pregnancy and/or childbirth. This includes students experiencing pregnancy or related conditions for which they may need accommodations, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation, as well as medical conditions relating to and recovery from any of these conditions.
The Title IX Coordinator (Michele Minter, [email protected]) ensures reasonable accommodations for students experiencing pregnancy or related conditions, as part of the University’s obligation under Title IX. The Office of Gender Equity and Title IX Administration supports the student as they arrange reasonable accommodations, in collaboration with relevant faculty members and administrators at the Graduate School or the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students, to allow students to fully participate in their academic program.
Reasonable accommodations help students maintain their educational plans while not fundamentally altering the essential nature of academic programs or requirements. Reasonable accommodations are assessed on a case-by-case basis through an individualized assessment of the student’s circumstances, including but not limited to a health care provider’s evaluation of what is medically necessary, and knowledge of the context in which the accommodation is sought. Commonly, reasonable accommodations may include shifting assignment and examination deadlines, excusing absences for medical appointments (when applicable), and, in some cases, a leave of absence. Additional information can be found in the Title IX Pregnancy/Childbirth Accommodation policy.
Request Accommodations
Information regarding the accommodation process can be found in the Title IX Student Pregnancy/Childbirth Accommodation policy. For all students who would like to request accommodations related to a pregnancy or related conditions, please contact Randy Hubert, Director of Gender Equity and Title IX Administration ([email protected]) or submit an online request for accommodations.
Leave of Absence for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students can learn more about taking a leave of absence due to pregnancy or related conditions or adoption of a child by reviewing the Leave of Absence policy. Undergraduate students may contact their residential college dean to discuss and/or request a leave of absence under this policy.
Leave of Absence for Graduate Students
Graduate students can learn more about taking a leave of absence due to pregnancy or related conditions or adoption of a child by reviewing the Graduate School Leave of Absence policy. Graduate students may contact their Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to discuss and/or request a leave of absence under this policy.
Suspension of Academic Responsibilities for Graduate Students
Graduate students can learn more about a 14 week suspension of academic responsibilities after giving birth or adopting a child by reviewing the Graduate School’s Childbirth and Adoption Accommodation policy. Graduate students may contact Elaine Willey, Assistant Dean for Academic Administration, ([email protected]) to discuss and/or request a suspension of academic responsibilities under this policy.
Accessing Quiet Rooms
Princeton’s Quiet Rooms offer a clean, secure, and private space to express breast milk or breastfeed and also may be used for other purposes. Students who would like access to a Quiet Room may review the list of Quiet Rooms, identify the most convenient space, and utilize the scheduling method associated with that space. If a student has questions about Quiet Rooms, they may contact the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX Administration ([email protected]). The list of Quiet Rooms in University buildings on and off campus and scheduling instructions for those spaces are available online.