Students Observing Religious Holidays

Dear Twin Cities faculty and instructors,

I am writing, as we do each semester, to remind you about the potential need to provide accommodations for students observing religious holidays, per the Excused Absences and Makeup Work policy.

The University is committed to ensuring that all students can practice their faith without negatively affecting their education. Please convey this commitment to your students, both in your syllabus and in class, and encourage students to contact you individually if accommodations are needed.

In addition, when planning due dates for major assignments and scheduling exams, please consult the University’s Calendar of Holidays and Religious Observances, which provides an overview of major holidays and religious observances. This calendar serves as a guiding framework; this list is not comprehensive or exclusive. Not all students will need to miss class for religious observances, some religious observances occur outside the dates noted on published calendars, and some observances may require accommodation beyond excusing a missed class period.

It is important to remember that students, staff, and faculty within the same faith or culture may nevertheless have different traditions and observances, and I therefore ask you to consult individually with any student who requests an accommodation rather than make general assumptions.

If you have specific questions about how to provide accommodations, please review these Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Equal Opportunity and Title IX office at 612-624-9547 or [email protected].

Thank you for your work to create an inclusive learning environment for our students.

Sincerely yours,

Rachel T.A. Croson
Executive Vice President and Provost

Print email copy of Religious observances and related academic policies.pdf