Accommodation of Religious Observances

Policy Statement

Oakland Community College, as a public institution, does not observe religious holidays. However, it is College policy to permit students to be absent from classes or examinations for reasons of observing religious holidays. Students are allowed to make up course requirements when they are unable to avoid a conflict between their academic and their religious obligations. Absences from classes or examinations caused by observing religious holidays does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. It is the obligation of students to provide faculty with written notice of the religious holiday they will be observing and the date on which they will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday. Students who miss classes or are absent on days of examinations or class assignments shall be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, unless it can be demonstrated that a make-up opportunity would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course. Should disagreement arise over any aspect of this policy, the parties involved should contact the Department Chair or Academic Dean. Final appeals will be resolved by the Provost.

Resources:  Religious Accommodation Request Form (EDU-429)

Change Log

• 05-16-2022  Policy Approved
• 03-24-2023  Related forms/Link added