
Religious Holy Day and Spiritual Observance Policy
- Approver:
- Academic Coordinating Committee
- Policy Owner:
- Vice-President, Academic
- Policy Lead(s):
- Vice-President, Academic
- Effective date:
- 2014-03-15
- Date of last approval:
- 2024-01-31
- Status:
- Approved
Policy Statement
ÌÇÐÄvlog¾«Æ· provides an inclusive working and learning environment. The College recognizes that religious holy days or recognized days of spiritual observances may, at times, conflict with academic requirements. This policy is intended to ensure that students who want to observe recognized religious holy days or days of spiritual observances are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities in the accommodation of students' religious or spiritual observances.
Scope
This policy applies to students in all programs and courses.
Definitions
ÌÇÐÄvlog¾«Æ· maintains a glossary of terms specific to the institution. The ones in use for this document are defined below.
- Day of Spiritual Observance
- A day specified for spiritual observance.
- Holy Day
- A day when a religious festival or holiday is observed.
- Recognized Religious Holiday
- Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council
Policy
Students are permitted by Conestoga to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holy day or day of spiritual observance. This reflects Conestoga’s commitment to being responsive to our increasing diversity and to enabling students’ spiritual development.
Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day or days because of their religious or spiritual beliefs must be given the opportunity to make up the work that was missed or to do alternative work that is intrinsically no more difficult than the original exam or assignment. Upon written request and timely notice, students shall be provided reasonable accommodation.
Relevant Legislation and Related Documents
Revision Log
2014-02-04 | Policy and Procedure Committee |
2014-03-05 | Academic Coordinating Committee |
2020-01-29 | Academic Forum |
2020-02-07 | Academic Coordinating Committee |
2024-01-24 | Academic Forum |
2024-01-31 | Academic Coordinating Committee |