What if I’m pregnant or get pregnant while I’m a Reach candidate?

Reach University will take specific actions to ensure equal access to the education program once the Title IX Coordinator is notified about the candidate’s pregnancy. 

Alternative Assignments

Depending on where a candidate is in their academic journey, they may need to request alternative assignments. Reach’s Job-Embedded Policy (pg. 23 of the University Catalog) states: Aligned to the Reach Method, flexibility is offered and approved on a case-by-case basis by the Dean or their designee.

Candidates may be assigned alternative assignments that allow them to simulate job-embedded learning. These alternative assignments are at the discretion of the Dean and faculty. Candidates can fill out this form to request alternative assignments. 

While University policy allows for approval of alternative assignments on a case-by-case basis, federal Title IX law requires protection of pregnant candidates’ rights. 

Modifications

Under Title IX, pregnant candidates have the discretion to accept or decline reasonable modifications offered by Reach University. 

Reasonable modifications may include (but are not limited to):

• Breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or related conditions, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom;
• Intermittent absences to attend medical appointments;
• Changes in schedule or course sequence;
• Extensions of time for coursework and rescheduling of tests and examinations;
• Wellness coaching; 
• Counseling; and
• Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures.

To discuss modifications, reach out to the Title IX Coordinator, titleix@reach.edu. 

With respect to leaves of absence, Reach University allows a leave of absence for pregnancy or related conditions for as long as a candidate’s doctor deems medically necessary. When the candidate returns to the University’s education program, the candidate will be reinstated to their prior status.