Academic accommodations for religious observance in the new year
Dear instructors,
Northwestern’s diverse community includes people who celebrate many religions and traditions. Out of respect for these observances, we are sending this annual reminder about Northwestern’s Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance. We write to draw your attention to holidays that take place during our Winter and Spring terms and to facilitate discussion about such accommodations.
Ramadan will begin at the end of February, overlapping the Winter Quarter final exam period. For many Muslims, this holy month involves fasting throughout the day and a fast-breaking meal (Iftar) at sunset. The timing of either may spur requests for accommodations per the above policy. Those who observe Eid or Passover might also request accommodation in the Spring terms. During these holidays, participants may refrain from work at different times. Work may include activities such as writing and using technology. There are, of course, many other days throughout the year significant to various traditions. The Religious & Spiritual Life office maintains a robust list of holidays, and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion offers a series of Religious Observance Fact Sheets that provide helpful information.
To facilitate respect for the religious commitments of our students, we ask that you do the following:
- Review the list of Winter/Spring term holidays to avoid conflicts with exams and/or major assignment deadlines when possible and for awareness of conflicts that are unavoidable (e.g., final exams).
- Link to Northwestern’s Syllabus Standards in your syllabus.
- Draw students’ attention to Northwestern’s Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance in the first week of the term, reminding them to request any accommodations by the end of the second week of the term.
- Remind undergraduates that requests for academic accommodations for religious observance for a common midterm or final exam should be made by filling out the Office of the Provost’s religious accommodation request form by the end of the second week of the term.
For questions about Northwestern’s Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance or accommodation requests you receive, please reach out to Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education Miriam Sherin.
We wish you a happy and peaceful new year.
Sincerely,