NJIT Policy on Student Absences for Religious Observances

NJIT does not cancel classes for non-federally recognized religious holidays. Students observing such holidays must follow this policy to receive accommodation. The policy ensures that students absent due to religious observance are excused without penalty. Faculty are required to provide students ample time to make up missed assignments, exams, projects, quizzes, or other academic work.

Students must notify their professors in writing of any conflicts between course requirements and religious observances. Faculty must include a reminder on the course syllabus about this notification process. Students expecting to miss classes or exams due to religious observances must submit a written list of dates to their instructors, ideally by the end of the second week of class, but no later than two weeks before the anticipated absence.

Faculty are expected to make reasonable accommodations for missed work, including exams, quizzes, and assignments, due to religious observances. Once notified in writing, professors must ensure that students are not penalized for missed work, as long as it is completed by a new deadline set by the professor, which must fall within the academic term. If the student fails to meet this deadline, the professor will assign an appropriate grade. Missed work may include homework, projects, exams, quizzes, lab work, or out-of-class activities scheduled during the observance.

Faculty should maintain cultural sensitivity and confidentiality regarding a student's religious observance, respecting the student’s beliefs and practices. They are encouraged to consult the NJIT religious holiday calendar to avoid scheduling assessments or major assignments during recognized religious observances, including non-federally recognized holidays. Faculty should also be aware of religious practices like fasting, which may affect a student's ability to focus and complete work.

This policy applies only to absences for religious observances. For other excused absences, students should refer to the policies from the Dean of Students.

For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence at inclusiveexcellence@njit.edu.