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Student Disability Services

As part of Enrollment and Student Services, Student Disability Services strives to provide accommodations, awareness, and advocacy with the goal of ensuring equal access for all qualified applicants and students with disabilities.  We individually review each student’s request and consider the functional impact of the disability and program standards in order to establish appropriate and meaningful accommodations.

There are unique aspects of MBKU educational programs that are different from the typical undergraduate experience students should consider when planning their transition to this new environment or determining what types of accommodations they may need to request.

Whether you are still considering applying to MBKU, already been accepted, or are a current student, Student Disability Services is here to support your endeavors. For questions about Student Disability Services, including support for Pregnant and Parenting Students and Religious Adjustments, please refer to the University Student Handbook or schedule a confidential consultation via email (StudentAffairs@ketchum.edu).

 

STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES Brochure

Full Policy | ACCOMMODATING STUDENTS & APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

2023-2024 Student Disability Services Annual Report

 

Your Rights

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex - including pregnancy, parenting, and all related conditions - in education and in programs and activities that receive federal funding. This means people who are pregnant "actually or potentially" cannot be treated differently from other people who are able or unable to participate in an educational program or activity.

Applicable educational programs or activities include:

  • Class attendance
    • Must be allowed the opportunity to attend classes regardless of pregnancy or parenting status
  • Excused absences
    • Absences due to pregnancy or childbirth must be excused as long as it is deemed medically necessary by the treating physician
  • Make-up work
  • Tutoring
  • Access to lactation centers
  • Scholarships
  • Financial Aid

For more information, please refer to the Adjustments for Pregnancy & Related Conditions policy in the University Student Handbook.

Office for Civil Rights | Discrimination Based on Pregnancy & Related Conditions: A Resource for Students & Schools

What if some professors have their own policies about class attendance and make-up work?
Universities must ensure that the policies and practices of individual professors do not discriminate against pregnant students. For example, professors may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a missed deadline because of absences due to pregnancy or childbirth. If the grading process is based in part on class attendance or participation, the student should be allowed to earn the credits they missed so they can be reinstated to the status they had prior to leave.

Can MBKU take back a scholarship when they find out a student is pregnant?
Continuation of a student's scholarship, or similar college-sponsored funding during the leave term will depend on the student's registration status and the policies of the funding program regarding registration status. Students will not be negatively impacted or forfeit future eligibility for their scholarship or similar college-supported funding by taking leave under this policy.

What are some examples of modified academic responsibilities that may be available for a student while they are pregnant and attending class?
Modified academic responsibilities may vary depending on the student's situation and are determined through communication between the SDS Coordinator and the faculty member. It could include modifications to the physical environment such as being a safe distance from hazardous substances, accessible seating, larger desk, temporary elevator access, and/or allowing frequent trips to the restroom.

How do I report harassment and/or discrimination due to pregnancy?
MBKU prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex. Pregnant or parenting students who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed because of a qualifying condition may file a complaint with the SDS Coordinator.

What about rotations and other off-campus elements of the program - does a pregnant student have the right to participate in those?
YES! The college must allow pregnant students to continue participating in off-campus programs. For example, if the program provides opportunities to work in the field, the college cannot deny the pregnant student participation based on their pregnancy. The college cannot require a doctor's note for continued participation, unless they require one for all students who have a medical, physical, or emotional condition that requires treatment by a physician.

What about classes or labs that may pose a hazard to a developing fetus? What about clinical placements?
A college may issue general warnings concerning the health risk a student may encounter as a result of participation in coursework, labs, clinical assignments, or other components of an educational program (e.g. disease, radioactivity, etc.). The college may also notify all students of possible precautionary measures they may wish to take prior to engaging in such activities or actions. Pregnant students may choose to participate in the activities or actions or may request comparable alternatives.

MBKU respects the religious beliefs and practices of all members of our community and shall make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available.

For more information, please refer to the Religious Adjustments policy in the University Student Handbook.

SDS Verification, Request & Appeal Forms


Please read the Procedure for Implementing Accommodations before filling out any of the forms below.

Once you complete each form, please download it, sign it, and then save it as "First Name_Last Name" before emailing it to StudentAffairs@ketchum.edu.

MBKU Disability Verification Form (Fillable)

  • Please read our Documentation Guidelines to ensure you have the proper information from your healthcare provider before requesting accommodations.

Clinical Rotations | Request for Accommodations & Services Authorization Form (Fillable)

  • If you are requesting for your accommodations to be carried over to your clinical rotations, you must provide authorization so that MBKU can share your accommodation request and disability-related needs with your preceptors. Please fill out this form and send it to StudentAffairs@ketchum.edu.