University Establishes Process for Religious Accommodation Requests (FPP 203.3)

Policy FPP 203.3 Establishes New Religious Accommodation Framework

A newly instituted structure requires the university to act in good faith to accommodate religious beliefs, observances, and practices upon request by staff, faculty, or students.

The policy establishes that such measures will be put in place unless doing so would create an undue hardship or fundamentally alter an academic program, service, or essential job function.

Individual Review Process Outlines Specific Adjustments

Potential adjustments detailed in the directive can involve altering schedules for religious holidays, granting excused absences for sacred days, changing break times, waiving specific dress and grooming rules, or providing housing-related arrangements. Each request will be evaluated individually through an established review process.

Supervisor Responsibilities and Employee Administrative Review

Supervisors who receive requests for religious accommodations should refer employees to Accommodation and Accessibility Services. Appropriate university representatives and the employee will engage in an interactive evaluation to decide if a suitable accommodation is feasible.

Approved accommodations will be documented and implemented in coordination with the employee and department. Furthermore, the guidelines note that requests may be revisited if circumstances change over time.

Student Deadlines for Coursework, Housing, and Dining

The policy also outlines procedures for students seeking accommodations for religious observances. Learners who need time off for religious reasons must submit written notice to their teachers during the initial two weeks of the term, detailing their scheduled observances.

Instructors are expected to provide opportunities for students to make up missed work when practicable. In addition, Accommodation and Accessibility Services will collaborate with other campus departments to handle any necessary dining or housing arrangements.