Religious Observances

The College shall make reasonable accommodation in admissions, class attendance, scheduling of examinations, and work assignments in regard to religious observances, practices, and beliefs of individual students, as required by the applicable state and federal law. Students are required to notify instructors and other appropriate College personnel in writing, at least one week prior to an anticipated religious observance. If the holiday falls during the first week but after the first day of class, students shall notify their instructors of the reasons for their absences on the first day of class. If the holiday falls on the first day of class, students shall notify their instructors of the reasons for their absences at the next class meeting.

A student who exercises his religious observance and is denied accommodations may appeal in writing to the supervisor of the faculty or staff member who denied the request by submitting the Student Resolution Request Form within five (5) business days from the time of the denial. If the student is not satisfied with the determination at this level, an appeal may be made to the next level of academic management. The maximum time between each appeal and response will be five (5) business days.

The student may appeal to the Dean of Academic Affairs for a committee hearing if the student is not satisfied with the results of the preceding steps. The committee, to be appointed by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, will hear the facts, and provide a recommendation to the Vice President, whose decision on the matter shall be final.

Students are responsible for all material covered during their approved absence. The approval shall detail a reasonable period for the student to complete missed work and make-up assignments. When possible, major class assignments, examinations, and official ceremonies, shall not be scheduled on major religious holidays.