Drexel University supports an environment that respects the religious observances of others and is committed to making every reasonable effort to accommodate the religious observances of students, instructors, faculty and professional staff.

Faculty and professional staff members may request reasonable accommodations due to religious observance. These may be coordinated with the individual's supervisor, well in advance, in a manner that parallels the process for students (for the student process, please visit the Spiritual and Religious Life webpage).

If you need assistance with requesting an accommodation, contact your HR Business Partner.

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination or harassment on the basis of religion – including denial of a requested accommodation – may report this to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.

Tips for Requesting and Receiving Religious Accommodations

Employees

• Immediately inform your supervisor of any conflicts and be prepared to provide them with information requested to understand the basis for the requested accommodation.
• Faculty members who must reschedule course meetings due to religious observance should coordinate with their Department Head and the Office of the Registrar.
• This is a mutual process. You and your supervisor should agree to the reasonable accommodations.
• If you and your supervisor are unable to agree, contact your Human Resources Business Partner.

Supervisors

• Engage in a mutual process with your supervisee to agree on reasonable accommodations.
• Faculty, professional staff, and other employees should be able to participate fully in workplace activities while also observing religious obligations.
• You may request more information about the employee's request for religious accommodations, but do not pass judgment on the employee's religious faith or question the sincerity of their beliefs.

Guidance for Instructors on Handling Requests from Students

• In the course syllabus, remember to include key dates, including course meetings, the examination schedule, and due dates for written or oral assignments.
• Engage in a mutual process with the student to agree on reasonable accommodations.
• Students should be able to participate fully in educational activities while also observing religious obligations.
• You may request more information about the student's request for religious accommodations, but do not pass judgment on the student's religious faith or question the sincerity of their beliefs.
• For more on the student process, consult the Spiritual and Religious Life webpage).

Related Resources

• Religious Observances Policy (find on Policy Directory under Provost policies)
• Religious Observances Calendar