Lactation Break Time and Space Requirements at WVU

WVU is launching a campus-wide educational effort to clarify lactation break and space requirements for staff, supervisors, faculty, and department chairs.

Employees who are expressing milk must be provided reasonable break time with regularity based on individual need. Supervisors, chairs, and instructors must allow reasonable schedule flexibility, such as shifting meetings, adjusting schedules when feasible, or allowing brief absences for pumping when necessary. Pumping breaks may not be denied or delayed if doing so could cause discomfort or potential health concerns.

Faculty, staff, and supervisors should also be aware of students’ rights related to lactation. Students who are expressing milk are entitled to reasonable break time and may step out of class to pump and return without academic penalty.

WVU must provide an appropriate space that is private, shielded from view, free from intrusion, and available when needed. The space must include seating, a flat surface (not the floor), and an electrical outlet. Bathrooms, locker rooms, and vehicles do not meet these requirements.

If an hourly employee is not fully relieved of work duties while pumping, that time must be compensated.

Faculty members may request reasonable adjustments to teaching schedules, classroom assignments, or meeting times to accommodate pumping needs.

These break time and space requirements are established under federal law and university policy.

Consistent with university guidance, wearable pumps may be used in class unless there is a documented safety or privacy concern.

WVU maintains 18 dedicated lactation rooms across campus. A list of rooms and amenities is available at wrc.wvu.edu. The Women’s Resource Center is available to assist at WRC@mail.wvu.edu.

This campaign supports clarity, compliance, and a respectful, supportive campus environment.