Religious Holidays Accomodations Policy

From the Bates College Faculty Handbook (link here)

Section 5.4: Examinations (page 73)
IN-TERM EXAMINATIONS. Multiple forms of evaluation are encouraged. One week’s notice should be given to students of an examination of an hour’s length or more, and some advance notice should also be given of any shorter quiz if it has considerable weight in determining the final grade. No examinations or quizzes in classes should be given during the last full week of any semester. Faculty may not ask academic administrative assistants to proctor exams. This
provision shall not apply to practical examinations given in laboratory work or to the Short Term. Hour examinations should not be assigned on the first day after a College vacation.

In recognition of Bates’ commitment to a diverse and inclusive student body and the variety of religions observed and practiced by our students, faculty are encouraged to consult the Multifaith Calendar posted online by the Office of the Multifaith Chaplain when developing course syllabi so that conflicts between in class examinations and major religious holidays may be avoided. Given the range of faiths embraced by our students, it may not be possible to avoid all
conflicts between scheduled examinations and religious holidays. Students are expected to approach the instructor within the first two weeks of the semester if there is a conflict with a scheduled examination, paper, or project due date and a significant religious holiday observed by the student so that, when warranted, alternative arrangements for completing the work may be made.

The Multifaith Chaplain shall be responsible for reminding all faculty members of this policy prior to the beginning of each fall semester.