College of DuPage grants students excused absences from class or other organized academic activities for observance of a sincerely held religious practice or belief as a religious accommodation, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship.
Students who expect to miss class in observance of a sincerely held religious practice or belief are expected to make prior arrangements with their instructor(s), as follows:
- Students should make a request directly to their instructor(s) with as much notice as possible.
- Complete the Student Religious Exceptions and Non-Attendance Request form and submit the form to your instructor in a mutually agreed upon fashion (through email, in-person, Blackboard)
- Students anticipating an absence or missed coursework due to a sincerely held religious practice or belief should use best efforts to inform their instructor in writing no later than the third week of class, or at least one week before the absence in case a conflict occurs during the first three weeks of class.
Being absent from class or other educational responsibilities does not excuse students from keeping up with any information shared or expectations set during the missed class(es). Students are responsible for obtaining the materials and information provided during any class(es) missed. The student can work with the instructor to determine a schedule for making up missed work.
Procedures for Faculty/Course Instructors in Responding to Student Requests
- Instructors should outline course obligations, dates and foreseen calendar of examination(s) as early as possible on course syllabus. Instructors should instruct students to inform them of any conflicts in accordance to the Accommodation of Religious Observances policy.
- Course instructors are strongly encouraged to make reasonable accommodations in response to student requests to complete work missed by absence resulting from observation of religious holidays. Such accommodations should be made in ways that do not dilute or preclude the requirements or learning outcomes for the course.
- Course instructors should bear in mind that religion is a deeply personal and private matter and should make every attempt to respect the privacy of the student when making accommodations (for example, it is not appropriate to announce to the class that a student is doing a presentation or making up an exam at a later date because of their religious observance). Course instructors should not ask a student for proof that their religious practices or beliefs are sincerely held or for determining a religious accommodation.
- Examples of religious accommodations include: rescheduling of an exam or giving a make-up exam for the student in question; altering the time of a student’s presentation; allowing extra-credit assignments to substitute for missed class work or arranging for an increased flexibility in assignment due dates.
- The student should be given the opportunity to complete appropriate make-up work that is equivalent and intrinsically no more difficult than the original exam or assignment. Students who receive an exemption on religious grounds cannot be penalized for failing to attend class on the days exempted. The instructor may, however, appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete any alternative assignment or examination.
- If there are concerns about the requested accommodation, the instructor should consult their department head or dean for assistance and determination of whether a reasonable accommodation can be provided. If an agreement cannot be reached after consulting with the department head (or dean) the matter will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs or designee, who will make the final determination following consultation with the Office of the General Counsel.
Religious Holidays
College of DuPage is deeply committed to supporting its religiously diverse community. We have provided a calendar which can be used in order to encourage the religious and faith practices of all members of the College of DuPage community.
This interfaith calendar provides information on select world religious holidays that fall within College of DuPage’s academic calendar and may therefore effect College of DuPage students. We recognize that the various religious traditions observed by our student body include more than can be easily included on a list. Additionally, some of the observation dates listed below may be more fluid due to fluctuations of the Lunar calendar. This list is neither all-inclusive nor a formal designation of religious holidays recognized by College of DuPage, but may be used as an aid for planning purposes.
Students, Faculty and Staff who have questions or concerns regarding the College of DuPage Accommodation of Religious Observance Policy may contact the Dean of Student Affairs office.
Contact Information
Dean of Students
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 1417
(630) 942-2485
Email: deanofstudents@cod.edu