Elon University embraces the mission of an academic community that influences and transforms mind, body, and spirit. The following policy guiding procedure for the observance of recognized holydays is consistent with and complementary to the University’s mission.

 

In recognition that observance of recognized religious holidays may affect students' classroom attendance and the submission of graded work in courses, Elon University has established procedures to be followed by students for notifying their instructors of an absence necessitated by the observance.  This policy reflects the University's commitment to being responsive to our increasing diversity and to encourage students' spiritual development.  In accordance with the policy, students who miss class to observe a specified religious holiday are required to discuss with their instructor when and how any missed assignments will be made up.  The student should consult his or her academic dean if an instructor is unable or unwilling to grant the request.  Absence from class due to observance of a religious holiday is excused according to University policy.

 

The religious observance notification procedure is based on the operating principle that you will act in accordance with the Elon University Honor Code. This procedure can only be used to notify an instructor of an absence from class necessitated by observance on a religious holiday.

Since religious holidays are scheduled in advance, you are expected to formally notify your instructor within the first week of the semester (by Sept. 7, 2009) that you will miss class in order to observe a religious holiday by completing the Religious Observance Notification Form.  It is required that you send an additional notification to your instructor at least one class before each absence.

You are also required to make prior arrangements with your instructor for completion of any work missed during your absence.  Since your instructor may want to use the same exercise that the rest of the class has completed, you are obligated to avoid obtaining any information about that graded exercise that would give you an unfair advantage over other students taking the course.

Note:  When you submit this form, your instructor will be notified by email, and copies will be sent to you and to your academic dean.  In completing the form, you may find it useful to consult OnTrack, where you can view your class schedule to obtain the name and the number of the course and the name of the course instructor. Your signature on the form affirms your compliance with the Elon University Honor Code.

Given the time limitations inherent in completing end-of-semester assignments or making up a missed final exam, this procedure cannot be used during the final exam period.  You are expected to take final examinations at the scheduled times and to complete end-of-semester work by the deadlines set by the instructor.  In the event that a religious holiday should fall during exam week, contact your academic dean as soon as possible, before the scheduled assignments or exam.  There may also be certain circumstances (a concert or a performance for example) which cannot be made up.  In this case, the student may be advised to take that specific course in another school semester.