Tips for Requesting and Receiving Religious Accommodations

Below are some tips to help guide you through the process of requesting or providing religious accommodations.

Students

  • Review the syllabus at the beginning of each term for conflicts between religious observances and course meetings / deliverables.
  • Immediately inform the instructor of any conflicts and be prepared to provide them with information requested to understand the basis for the requested accommodation.
  • This is a mutual process. You and your instructor should agree to the reasonable accommodations.
  • If you and the instructor are unable to agree, you may appeal to the dean of your college or school.
  • Contact Subir Sahu, Senior Vice President for Student Success, if you need assistance

Instructors

  • In the course syllabus, remember to include key dates, including course meetings, the examination schedule, and due dates for written or oral assignments.
  • Engage in a mutual process with the student to agree on reasonable accommodations.
  • Students should be able to participate fully in educational activities while also observing religious obligations.
  • You may request more information about the student's request for religious accommodations, but do not pass judgment on the student's religious faith or question the sincerity of their beliefs.
  • Contact your HR Business Partner if you need assistance

Employees

  • Immediately inform your supervisor of any conflicts and be prepared to provide them with information requested to understand the basis for the requested accommodation.
  • Faculty members who must reschedule course meetings due to religious observance should coordinate with their Department Head and the Office of the Registrar.
  • This is a mutual process. You and your supervisor should agree to the reasonable accommodations.
  • If you and your supervisor are unable to agree, contact your Human Resources Business Partner.
  • Contact your HR Business Partner if you need assistance

Supervisors

  • Engage in a mutual process with your supervisee to agree on reasonable accommodations.
  • Faculty, professional staff, and other employees should be able to participate fully in workplace activities while also observing religious obligations.
  • You may request more information about the employee's request for religious accommodations, but do not pass judgment on the employee's religious faith or question the sincerity of their beliefs.
  • Contact your HR Business Partner if you need assistance

Individuals who believe they have experienced religious discrimination or harassment may report it to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.