Student Religious Observances
Moraine Valley Community College will reasonably accommodate the religious observances of individual students in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements. “Religious observance” includes all aspects of religious observances and practices, as well as belief. Religious observances, such as holidays, are typically anticipated or known in advance, allowing for notification and alternative arrangements to avoid disruption. Unanticipated religious observances or practices should be communicated in writing as soon as practicable and may not be as easily accommodated.
For non-academic work accommodation, a student must notify their supervisor as soon as possible and in accordance with department scheduling procedures. The student may make up for missed hours in accordance with department scheduling procedures.
For academic accommodation (e.g., class, clinical, assignment, or examination), a student must notify each instructor in accordance with the following procedure:
- Review course syllabi, including assignment and examination dates, and notify the instructor of any conflicts in writing as soon as possible; no later than the end of the second week of class. Course policies regarding attendance vary widely. Students are responsible for knowing these policies and for communicating any anticipated absences for religious observance to each of their instructors.
- Upon receipt of such written notification, it is the responsibility of each faculty member to provide the student with an opportunity to make up any class attendance, examination, or other course requirement the student will miss due to the absence.
- An absence due to religious observance does not relieve a student from responsibility for any part of the coursework required during the period of absence. Instructors may require that a student complete any coursework or examination(s) before the anticipated absence.
A student who believes that he or she has been denied reasonable accommodation should first express their concerns to the supervisor or instructor and try to resolve the situation informally. If the situation is not resolved informally, the student may submit a formal complaint.
