Religious Observance | Policies

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Religious Observance

Policy regarding religious holidays.

Owner: Provost

It is the policy of Teachers College to respect its members’ observance of their
major religious holidays.  Where academic scheduling conflicts prove unavoidable,
students will not be penalized for absences due to religious reasons, and course
instructors will work with students on alternative means for satisfying academic
requirements.  If students and instructors cannot reach a suitable arrangement, they
should consult the appropriate Program Director or Department Chair.  If necessary,
students or instructors may take the matter to the Office of the Provost for additional
appeal.

Some of the major holidays occurring during the academic year are:  Ramadan, Good
Friday, Eid al Fitr, Passover (first two and last two days), Rosh Hashanah, Shemini
Atzeret, Shavuoth, Eid al Adha, Yom Kippur, Sukkot (first two days), Simchat Torah,
and Diwali.

Jewish and Islamic holy days begin at sundown of the preceding day.
The Office of the Provost and Dean of the College requests that faculty members who
will miss classes for religious observances notify their Department Chair in advance. 
They should also announce missed class sessions on their syllabi. In such cases,
faculty members may either make arrangements for another course instructor to cover
the missed class or schedule a makeup session at a time convenient to students. 

Responsible Office: Provost
Last Updated March 25, 2016
Last Edited February 2024
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