• Updated Policy
    The College has adopted a revised Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Policy and a revised Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory Harassment Policy as of August 1, 2024. Please note that the webpages of the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity are being revised to reflect the revised policies. Individuals should refer to the revised policies for conduct occurring on or after August 1, 2024. Archives of prior policies are available at the bottom of this page. Review the Updated Policy

Supportive Measures & Accommodations

The Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity can assist individuals by making available academic, living, transportation or other adjustments to daily schedules in order to better provide an environment of safety and support.

At any time, the College will consider and make available to both parties appropriate interim supportive measures. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services, offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to either the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed. Supportive measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the College’s educational programs or activities, and they will be designed so as not to unreasonably burden the other party.

These supportive measures for incidents of sexual misconduct will be considered regardless of where the conduct is alleged to have occurred, either geographically or in connection with the College’s programs or activities and regardless of whether a complaint is filed. 

Supportive measures may include but are not limited to:

  • Counseling;
  • Academic accommodations, such as extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments;
  • Course changes or drops;
  • Modifications of work or class schedules;
  • Campus escort services;
  • Mutual restrictions on contact between the parties;
  • Residential accommodations, including but not limited to arranging for new housing, or providing temporary housing options, as appropriate;
  • Changes in work locations;
  • Leaves of absence;
  • Increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus;
  • No trespass orders. 

To request supportive measures, contact the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity at 508-793-3336 or titleix@holycross.edu.

Accommodations 

The College admits qualified students regardless of disability and welcomes students with disabilities into every area of life within the College. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services with questions any time prior to application or after acceptance to the College. Students requesting extensive accommodations should contact the office well in advance of enrollment or return to campus so that appropriate arrangements may be discussed and implemented.

Employees or job applicants seeking accommodations should contact Human Resources and may also refer to the College’s Reasonable Accommodation Procedures for Employees and Job Applicants with Disabilities (PDF). 

Resources for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Nondiscrimination

Holy Cross has nondiscrimination policies to protect pregnant and parenting students from being treated differently than other students based on their status (see our Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory Harassment Policy for more information). Additionally, there are campus resources that are available to all students:

Accommodations

Depending on the circumstances, Holy Cross is able to consider certain accommodations for medical conditions that may arise from pregnancy, for example, academic accommodations.

To learn more about the scope and applicability of such accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services (508-793-3693). 

Additionally, for academic matters, pregnant students are encouraged to connect with their class dean who can help coordinate academic plans. Whether or not a student decides to take a leave of absence, they are legally protected from any reduction or loss of scholarship money, including athletic scholarships, because of pregnancy. 

Lactation Rooms for Student Use