A university policy outlines procedures to provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs, observances, and practices upon request.
Under the policy, the institution will make good-faith efforts to provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs, observances, and practices when requested. These adjustments will be granted unless doing so creates an undue hardship or fundamentally alters an academic program, service, or essential job function.
Examples of approved accommodations include schedule adjustments for religious observances, excused absences for religious holidays, modifications to break schedules, exceptions to dress and grooming requirements, and specific accommodations related to student housing.
Each submission is evaluated individually through an established review process designed to keep administrative decisions transparent and consistent across departments.
How Employee Accommodations Operate
Employees seeking religious accommodations must follow a designated administrative pathway. Supervisors who receive these requests are instructed to refer staff members directly to Accommodation and Accessibility Services.
From there, requests are reviewed through an interactive process involving the employee and appropriate university representatives. This discussion determines whether a reasonable accommodation can be provided. Once approved, the arrangement is documented and implemented in coordination with the employee and their department. The policy also allows for requests to be revisited if circumstances change over time.
Students Must Notify Instructors Within Two Weeks for Religious Absences
The policy outlines distinct procedures for students seeking adjustments for religious observances. Students requesting excused absences for religious reasons must notify instructors in writing within the first two weeks of class, providing clear information about planned religious observances.
Instructors are expected to provide opportunities for students to make up missed work when practicable. Meanwhile, requests related to housing or dining accommodations are coordinated through Accommodation and Accessibility Services in consultation with other campus offices as needed.
