12.14 Religious Holiday Policy (Students)

It is the policy of Macalester College to make every reasonable effort to allow students to observe religious holidays without academic penalty. It is desirable that no exams or other major assignments or activities occur (or are due) on major religious holidays of obligation*. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who expect to miss classes, examinations, or other assignments as a consequence of their religious observance shall be provided with a reasonable alternative opportunity to complete such academic responsibilities. It is the obligation of students to provide faculty with reasonable notice of the dates of religious holidays on which they will be absent, ordinarily within the first fifteen days of the semester. It is therefore desirable that faculty inform students of all examination dates and other significant assignments or activities at the start of the semester. Students who are absent on days of examinations or class assignments due to religious observance should be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, in a manner that is convenient to both students and faculty.

Every effort should be made to avoid scheduling major, all-campus events at times when all members of the campus community may not be able to participate because of religious obligations.

*Holidays of obligation are holidays during which the observant person, according to religious practice, cannot work. Please consult the list of holidays distributed by the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life and posted on the Macalester website.

(Reported at May 2, 2007 Faculty Meeting)