Student observance of religious holidays

The purpose of this Policy is to establish Lynn University policy regarding a student’s request to miss a class due to the observance of a religious holiday.

Lynn University respects the rights of all individuals to observe customarily recognized religious holidays throughout the academic year.

Not Applicable.

If a student intends to be absent from classes as a result of any such observance, the student should notify their professors in writing prior to the specific holiday.

The professor and the student should then discuss what a reasonable accommodation should include in a given case. At a minimum, reasonable accommodations must provide the student who is absent on days of examinations or class assignments due to a religious observance an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, unless granting the make-up opportunity would create undue hardship.

If the instructor and student agree upon a reasonable accommodation, the accommodation is then documented and implemented.

If there is no consensus on a reasonable accommodation, either party or both should seek the advice of the department chair. In those cases where a request for a religious accommodation is denied by the professor, and there is no resolution through discussion with the department chair, the student may pursue an academic related student grievance with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Academic Affairs.