Reminders in preparation for Winter and Spring

Dear instructors,

We write with a few reminders as you prepare for your Winter and Spring classes. 

First, we strongly encourage you to link to Northwestern’s Syllabus Standards in your syllabi. This is an easy and consistent way to convey a range of University policies to your students.

Second, we want to remind you about Northwestern’s Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance, which sets the expectations that you will avoid scheduling exams on religious holidays when possible and provide accommodations when conflicts arise. Please direct Evanston undergraduate students to the appropriate forms to request religious accommodation for common midterms or final exams. Students must submit requests by the end of the second week of the quarter in which they require accommodation. Therefore, please include exam and assignment due dates in your syllabi. Accommodations outside of common midterms or finals are typically handled through discussions between students and their instructors, with support from administrators if needed.

Finally, we want to remind you of the Undergraduate Policy on In-Person Arrival and Course Engagement. Many graduate and professional programs have similar expectations. If you hear from students who do not plan to arrive during the first week of the quarter, we encourage you to refer them to this or your school/program policy.

Thank you for all you do to make our students feel welcome and informed. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Jaci Casazza
Assistant Provost and University Registrar 

Karen Smilowitz
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education