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Wentworth Institute of Technology (hereinafter “Wentworth” or “University”) is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for people who are pregnant or parenting and for people who serve as a primary caregiver for children, parents, or people with disabilities. This commitment is echoed in University policy, which complies with state and federal law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Act  and,  prohibits  discrimination  based  on  pregnancy or parenting in University programs or activities. 

 

Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX

Catlin Wells serves as the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator.

Catlin Wells, M.Ed., J.D. 
CEIS 204
wellsc1@wit.edu
(617) 989-4119

Reasonable Accommodations and Supportive Measures

Under the law, participants in University programs and Activities have a right to reasonable accommodations for conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Pursuant to the University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the University recognizes supportive measures beyond what is required by law as a privilege afforded to Wentworth students and employees. Information about accommodations and supportive measures is included in the University's Policy on Pregnancy, Parenting, and Caregiving.

Individuals who seek an accommodation related to pregnancy or parenting or who seek supportive measures as caregivers are encouraged to contact the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance, in the Office of Institutional Equity.

  • Request a Reasonable Accommodation or Supportive Measure 

    While no person is required to notify the University if they are pregnant or parenting, participants who seek an accommodation or supportive measure should follow the processes outlined in this policy.

    Participants in the University’s programs and activities may make a request for accommodations and/or supportive measures by contacting the Executive Director of Equity and Compliance, Catlin Wells, via email, or by filling out the online request form.

    A request for an accommodation and/or supportive measure should include:

    • an explanation of why the person making the request requires an accommodation and/or supportive measure
    • a description of the requested accommodation and/or supportive measure
    • the expected duration of the accommodation and/or supportive measure (e.g., start and end dates)  
  • Student Attendance and Scholarships 

    Students who are pregnant and parenting will not be prevented from attending class or participating in other University programs or activities on the basis of pregnancy. 

    While the university will not assume that a pregnant student cannot participate in programs or activities, absences due to pregnancy or childbirth shall be excused for as long as is deemed medically necessary by the student’s doctor. Where possible, a student should make an accommodation request for an excused absence in advance of the missed class. Students may make up work they missed while out due to pregnancy or any related conditions, including recovery from childbirth. If a professor awards “points” for class attendance, students must be given the opportunity to earn back the credit from classes missed because of pregnancy.

    The university will not terminate or reduce athletic, merit or need-based scholarships because of pregnancy or parenting. 

Lactation on Campus

Community members may, at their discretion, express breast milk or breastfeed on campus, as needed. While individuals are not prohibited from breastfeeding in public spaces, the university will make reasonable efforts to provide a room or other location where the employee can express milk in private.

  • Private Lactation Spaces 

    Private lactations spaces are available in Wentworth Hall (Building 3), Beatty Hall (Building 8), and the Center for Engineering and Innovative Science (Building 19). 

    For information about accessing lactation spaces, please contact the Title IX Coordinator. 

  • Finding Lactation Spaces

    A map of campus lactation spaces is available here.

    Beatty Hall: The lactation room in Beatty Hall is located next to room 313, near the exit sign.

    CEIS: The lactation room in CEIS is located next to room 315, near the group study lounge.  

    Wentworth Hall: The lactation room in Wentworth Hall is next to classroom 305. 

    For detailed directions to each of these lactation spaces, please contact Catlin Wells.