Religious Observance Resources

Michigan State University's policy on religious observance accommodations is designed to ensure that students and instructors can observe their religious beliefs without academic penalty. It provides guidelines and procedures for requesting and granting religious accommodations. View the Religious Observance Policy here. Faculty do not need to make a request in order to observe a major religious holiday. 

Both students and instructors at Michigan State University are eligible for religious observance accommodations. This policy is applicable to all members of the university community.

Accommodations can include rescheduling of exams, assignments, or classes, as well as alternative arrangements for attendance, to accommodate religious observance.

To request accommodation, students should communicate their request to their instructors as soon as possible, preferably at the beginning of the semester, but need to provide at least a two-week notice. Instructors should communicate their request to their Department Chair at the beginning of the semester or as soon as possible.

Students are not required to provide documentation of their religious beliefs, and faculty cannot ask any questions about if, or how, they celebrate these holidays. Requests for accommodation should be taken at face value. 

The policy requires instructors and administrators to include reference to the religious observance policy in syllabi and inform incoming students of the policy in all orientation programs. University leadership has also sent out reminders to faculty and administrators about the policy and related guidelines. 

Instructors should make every effort to avoid scheduling exams and oral presentations during the major religious days on campus (Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, etc.). If a professor or the university has scheduled such an exam or oral presentation, they must be reasonably rescheduled without academic penalty.

You can find detailed information about Michigan State University's religious observance policy, including a link to policy information, academic calendar and specific holidays on the official webpage at provost.msu.edu/academic-resources/religious-observance-calendar. 

Please note that policies and procedures may evolve over time, so it's essential to refer to the most current information on the university's official website and consult with relevant university offices for the latest guidance on religious observance accommodations. If you have questions, please reach out to inclusion@msu.edu.