Information on Accommodating Religious Observances
August 29, 2023 1:01 PM

Dear Students,

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is committed to maintaining an inclusive educational environment for students of all religious backgrounds, and to upholding state and federal law requiring the university to reasonably accommodate its students’ religious beliefs, observances, and practices concerning admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements.

The university recommends that students examine each course syllabus at the beginning of the semester for potential conflicts, notify the instructor, and follow the instructor’s directions as to how to request accommodations. When requested, instructors need to provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs, observances, and practices for students as outlined in the Student Code, Article 1, Part 5 – Class Attendance and Article 1, Section 1-107 on Religious Beliefs, Observances, and Practices. 

For additional information on religious, spiritual and secular inclusion at the university, visit the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, which maintains a calendar of religious observances. Members of the University of Illinois community practice a range of faith traditions, and it is the expectation of the university that reasonable religious accommodations be considered by instructors regardless of whether the date is included on the Religious Observances that Affect the Academic Calendar webpage. 

Student Code Section 1-107 b. allows any student to appeal in writing an instructor's decision on a request for accommodation based on religious beliefs, observances, and practices to the dean of the academic unit offering the course. We encourage students of all religious faiths to review this information, share with your peers, and make use of the available resources. Students who have additional questions may contact the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@illinois.edu.

Sincerely,

Sean C. Garrick
Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

John Coleman
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost

Danita M. Brown Young
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs