Student Religious Observances Policy

Student Religious Observances Policy

Lakeland University is committed to nondiscrimination, diversity, inclusiveness and support for its students, faculty, employees and staff, regardless of religious affiliation or non-affiliation, in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Because of its connection to the United Church of Christ and its values and welcoming spirit, Lakeland University seeks to be a hospitable and supportive community for students from all spiritual and religious traditions. For this reason, the university has established a Religious Observance Policy to support students seeking accommodations for religious observances.

If a student requires an accommodation for a religious observance, the student must complete the following required steps:

• At least five business days prior to the requested accommodation, the student presents a written request (via email or hard copy) for an exemption due to Religious Observances. Requests submitted within less than five business days will be considered, but approval cannot be guaranteed due to the potential short notice given by the student. Retroactive accommodations will not be approved. Students are encouraged to communicate with their advisor about their needs and to get support through the process.
• The program director or instructor will evaluate the request to determine if it presents an undue hardship. If the program director or instructor has questions about the appropriateness of a request, they are encouraged to contact the University Chaplain. It is expected that the program director or instructor will respond to the request in a timely manner, normally within three (3) business days.
• If an accommodation is granted for missed class time, makeup work should be commensurate with the class time the student has missed. If the instructor denies the request, a rationale must be provided in writing as to why the request presents an undue hardship.
• Absences due to an approved religious observance will not be considered an absence and will not result in a penalty.

In the case that a request for an accommodation is denied, the student may appeal the decision through the following process:

• Within three (3) business days of the notice of denied accommodations, the student should make an appointment with the instructor to discuss the grievance and to seek resolution. If the student does not make an appointment at this time, the appeals procedure comes to an end.
• If still dissatisfied after the conversation with the instructor, the student may schedule an appointment with the dean of the instructor’s school to appeal the instructor’s decision and seek a resolution. If the appeal is denied, the dean’s decision is final. If the appeal is granted, the dean will work with the faculty member to determine a reasonable accommodation.