General University Policies

Contents

• Academic Considerations for Students who Nurse after Childbirth
• Children in Classrooms and Workplaces Policy
• Health Insurance Requirement
• Immunizations

Additional University Policies pertaining to Amorous Relationships, Discrimination, Equal Opportunity, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Violence, along with other University Policies, can be found in the Metropolitan State University of Denver Policy Library (https://www.msudenver.edu/policy/policy-library/).

Additional University Policies pertaining to Email, Computing, Security, and Electronic Communications, along with other University Policies, can be found in the Metropolitan State University of Denver Policy Library (https://www.msudenver.edu/policy/policy-library/).

Academic Considerations for Students who Nurse after Childbirth

It is recognized that some women will choose to nurse after childbirth, and Metropolitan State University of Denver is committed to creating a supportive environment for nursing mothers that includes lactation facilities on campus. A summary of the on-campus lactation facilities listed by building and an explanation of how to access these spaces is provided at the end of this policy. The locations can also be found at this URL: https://www.ahec.edu/files/general/Lactation_Room_Map.pdf. Note that refrigeration services are generally not available and that students should plan accordingly.

Students who choose to nurse after childbirth are responsible for considering the following recommendations when selecting classes during the semester(s) in which expressing (pumping) milk will occur.

• Schedule classes that meet for no more than two hours at a time.
• Schedule classes that are not back-to-back to ensure ample time between classes for pumping to occur.
• Allow enough time between your work schedule and classes to ensure ample time for pumping prior to the beginning of class.  
• Consider on-line courses if this mode of instruction fits better with your pumping needs.
• Be aware that there is a higher percentage of summer semester courses (compared with fall and spring semester courses) that are longer in length, and that certain summer semester courses may not be suitable choices.

The university supports a mother’s choice to nurse; however, the requirements associated with each mother’s circumstance can vary significantly. It is the student’s responsibility to make the right course selection using the above guidelines in order to avoid missing class time and interrupting the learning process. 

In general, the university and its faculty expect that students choosing to nurse will plan ahead as is outlined in this document so that the ongoing academic mission of the institution is not interrupted.  A critical component for successful learning is class attendance, and in some classes, active course participation is also an important factor.  For this reason, students who are expecting to nurse after childbirth are responsible for designing their class schedule in a manner that does not interfere with the allotted instruction time for any of their registered courses.

For any anticipated unique exceptions in which class instruction time may be impacted by a need to pump, a student is required (before registering for such a course) to schedule a meeting with the course instructor and the appropriate associate/assistant dean. At this meeting it will be determined if it is advisable for the student to register for the course in question. This will be determined by an assessment of the anticipated time away from class to pump and the implications to the educational requirements of the course. Any such exceptions agreed upon must be put in writing by the faculty member teaching the course and provided to the student and the Dean’s Office within one week following such a meeting. There are no course penalties associated with agreed upon times for lactation between faculty and student. However, in all cases the faculty member will maintain the same course standards required of all students registered for the course and as outlined in the course syllabus.

MSU Denver PRIMARY Lactation Room Locations and Access Instructions

MSU Denver SECONDARY Lactation Room Locations and Access Instructions

Children in Classrooms and Workplaces Policy

Metropolitan State University of Denver has an obligation to its students, faculty, staff, and visitors to conduct its operations and maintain its facilities in a manner consistent with its mission as an institution of higher education. For reasons that include safety of children, and assuring professional and efficient performance of academic pursuits and campus operations, the University cannot routinely accommodate children in campus workplaces or classrooms.

Presence in classrooms is restricted to enrolled students or visitors with a legitimate purpose, who may be adults or minors. Instructors of record are responsible for ensuring that individuals who attend their classes are properly enrolled or have been invited for the purpose of making special announcements, guest lecturing, or other authorized reasons. Instructors have the responsibility to ensure that the classroom is conducive to student learning and may address disruptive or distracting situations as appropriate.

Instructors have the discretion to make infrequent exceptions due to temporary, unforeseen emergencies. In these cases, children must remain in the classroom and are not allowed to sit in the hallway or be unsupervised in any location on campus. Regular repeated visits by children or others without a legitimate purpose are not permitted. Unless properly supervised, and with pre-approval, children are not permitted in labs, shops, construction/repair sites, or other areas where potential hazards exist. Children brought on campus must be directly supervised at all times by their parent or guardian. Leaving children unattended is a violation of the MSU Denver Student Code of Conduct.

Definitions

1. Children: Minors under the age of 18.
2. Minors Enrolled as Students: Enrolled students under the age of 18 have the rights and privileges of any other student in the classroom and on campus grounds.