Religious Observance Policy

I. Purpose

SGU is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that respects the religious practices of its diverse student body. This policy outlines the process by which students may request alternative timing for examinations or single mandatory academic events due to religious observance.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in any program across the university, including those in the School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Arts & Sciences, and at satellite teaching sites. The Religious Observance Policy applies to examinations and mandatory academic events that are unique and limited in scope, e.g. mandatory meetings that are only offered in single instances. All other recurring academic course activity is not covered by the Religious Observance Policy. Students should refer to the School's policy on course participation for regularly scheduled course activity.

III. Request Process

1. A student who wishes to request a completion examination or accommodation/rescheduling for a one-off mandatory academic session for the purpose of religious observance must:
   1. Complete and submit the Religious Observance Request Form to the Office of Student Affairs.
   2. Submit the form no later than 30 days after the start of the academic term in which the request applies.
   3. Late submissions are allowed when schedules published at the start of term did not include dates for the examination/mandatory academic event.
   4. For students participating in practical examinations that may be scheduled over multiple dates, the Religious Observance Request Form should be submitted to alert the course director to any possible need for accommodation.
2. The Office of Student Affairs will review the request and inform the relevant Course Directors of approved accommodations as soon as practicable.

IV. Responsibilities

1. Students: Responsible for submitting requests on time and providing complete information on the Religious Observance Form.
2. Office of Student Affairs: Responsible for reviewing requests, determining eligibility, and notifying Course Directors promptly.
3. Course Directors: Responsible for working with the Office of Student Affairs to arrange appropriate alternative examination/event times consistent with program requirements and academic integrity.

V. Program and School Participation Rules

1. Some Schools or programs may have additional participation/attendance rules, policies, or requirements that intersect with religious observance requests.
2. Students are responsible for reviewing the relevant section of the Student Manual for their School or program and complying with all participation expectations.

VI. Limitations

1. Requests submitted after the 30-day deadline may not be accommodated in the event that the scheduled activity was published in the academic/course calendar at the start of the academic term.
2. This policy does not obligate SGU to waive essential academic requirements; accommodations will be made where reasonable and appropriate while maintaining academic standards/requirements.

VII. Authority

Office of Student Affairs; reviewed every 3 years.

VIII. Version History

(1025004)