NIU POLICY ON RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES

As the dates for a number of religious observances approach, we wish to advise the NIU community of the university’s policy regarding this subject.  Included below is the university policy as stated in the institution’s catalogs and the Academic Policies and Procedures Manual.

“Northern Illinois University as a public institution of higher education in the State of Illinois does not observe religious holidays.  It is the university’s policy, however, to reasonably accommodate the religious observances of individual students in regards to admissions, class attendance, scheduling examinations and work requirements.  Such policies shall be made known to faculty and students.  Religious observance includes all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as belief.  Absence from classes or examinations for religious observance does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence.  To request accommodation, students who expect to miss classes, examinations or other assignments as a consequence of their religious observance shall provide instructors with reasonable notice of the date or dates they will be absent. 

Students who believe they have been denied a reasonable accommodation should contact the person identified by the department to hear such complaints, usually the department chair.  If the issue is not resolved at the department level, students may proceed to the office of the dean of that college and if it is still unresolved, to the Office of the Provost.  Additionally, students may contact the ombudsman for advice.”

We encourage faculty and individuals in supervisory positions to be considerate of the interests of faculty, staff, and students who desire to participate in religious observances.  Information regarding dates for religious observances can be found at a variety of on-line locations including:   www.interfaithcalendar.org