Pregnant And Parenting Students
Otis College supports pregnant and parenting students so that they may stay in school and complete their education, and thereby build better lives for themselves and their children. It is illegal under Title IX for schools to exclude pregnant students (or students who have been pregnant) from participating in any part of an educational program, including co-curricular activities. Otis College is committed to full participation by pregnant, nursing and parenting students. In response to notification of need, the College may implement special instructional programs or classes for pregnant students. Participation is completely voluntary on the part of the student, and any programs and classes offered will be comparable to those offered to other students with regard to the range of academic, co-curricular, and enrichment opportunities.
The College treats pregnant students in the same way that any similarly situated student is treated. Thus, any special services provided to students who have temporary medical conditions are also provided to pregnant students. Likewise, a student who is pregnant or has given birth will not be required to submit medical certification for school participation unless such certification is also required for all other students with physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician.
Otis College will excuse a student’s absences because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary. When a student returns to the College, she will be allowed to return to the same academic and co-curricular status as before her medical leave began.
The Lactation Room is a temporary private room for nursing mothers. It is for use by faculty, staff and students only. Any student needing to use the Lactation Room should work with the Title IX Coordinator (titleix@otis.edu) to facilitate access. The Lactation Room is located in Ahmanson 100C.
Questions regarding this policy and its implementation should be directed to the Title IX Office (titleix@otis.edu) or (310) 846-2554.
Religious Accommodations Policy
Otis College of Art and Design’s Religious Accommodation Policy aligns with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on religion and affirms students' rights to reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. This policy ensures that students are not penalized for observing religious holidays or holy days.
- Faculty cannot mark a student’s absence as unexcused for religious holidays or holy days when the student:
- Notifies the instructor at least two (2) weeks in advance of the absence;
- Clearly states the absence is for a religious accommodation (students are not required to specify the religion or holiday);
- Completes any missed work through an agreed-upon alternative (e.g., submitting a self-reflection in place of a missed critique).
- Time off for travel related to observances is not included under this policy.
Questions related to this policy should be submitted to the Dean of Student Affairs and Dean of Academic Affairs jointly by emailing studentaffairs@otis.edu. If you feel that your religious accommodation has been unfairly denied, please submit a Bias Incident Report Form.
Veterans
As a recognized institution of higher learning, Otis College welcomes veterans and the dependents of 100% service-connected, disabled, or deceased veterans who qualify under the provisions of the United States public laws pertaining to their education. Otis College is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Veterans must be accepted into a degree program to be eligible for Veterans Administration benefits. For more information on the services, programs and opportunities for Veterans, please visit our Veterans information site at http://www.otis.edu/veterans.