Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2024-2025 Graduate Academic Catalog
prohibits students from returning to classes for a set period of time after childbirth . Pregnant students working within the University ’ s work-study program are protected under Title IX in their capacity as part-time employees .
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES Gwynedd Mercy University laboratories are in compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health ( OSHA ) Act . However , it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of the laboratory courses as soon as the student knows she is pregnant . The student must obtain written permission from her prenatal care doctor to participate in the course laboratory activities . If the student does not properly inform the instructor of the pregnancy , does not provide a doctor ’ s permission note , or is unaware of her pregnancy , the responsibility for any risks or consequences associate with the completion of the laboratory work remains with the student . Gwynedd Mercy University cannot ensure that a pregnant student will not be exposed to chemicals that might be unhealthy for her or her fetus since the effects of all chemicals in fetal development are not completely known . In addition , it is impossible to precisely anticipate the level of exposure , the length of exposure , and the number of encounters that might occur with any chemical during a semester . Therefore , the University recommends that pregnant students should be advised NOT to take a lab course unless she is willing to understand and assume all the risks . She should certainly seek and follow proper medical advice from her physician . Pregnant students will be advised that if they choose to enroll in a laboratory course at Gwynedd Mercy University , they must participate as fully as any other student or their grades will be impacted . They may not take the course in a virtual format of any sort or by watching others , and laboratory course requirements will not be revised under any circumstances to accommodate a pregnant student .
Title IX
As a recipient of Federal funds , Gwynedd Mercy University is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 , 20 U . S . C . § 1681 et seq . (“ Title IX ”), and Code of Federal Regulations 34 , 106 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities , admission and employment . Under certain circumstances , Sexual Misconduct constitutes sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX . In addition , the University complies with Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (“ VAWA ”). Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and VAWA may be referred to the University ’ s Title IX Coordinator or to the U . S . Department of Education ’ s Office for Civil Rights . Gwynedd Mercy ’ s Title IX Coordinator is Tia Brown and she may be contacted by phone at 215-646-7300 , ext . 21140 or by e-mail at brown . t8 @ gmercyu . edu
Non-Discrimination Policy and Statement Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning , working , and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment . Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race , religion , age , gender , sexual orientation , gender identity , national origin , disability , color , marital status , veteran status , genetic characteristics , or any other characteristic protected by federal , state or local law (“ Protected Classes ”). This includes , but is not limited to , admissions , financial aid , educational services , and student programs and activities , as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including , but not limited to , recruitment , selection , hiring , placement , transfer , promotion , training , compensation , benefits , discipline , and termination . The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes , or related retaliation against or by any employee or student . This policy applies to all University faculty , administrators , staff and students . Persons who lodge discrimination or harassment complaints or participate in the investigation of such a 37