Lewis and Clark recognizes the varied religious beliefs that exist at the College and will accommodate students in resolving conflicts with their academic and religious commitments. Students who are unable to attend classes, take an exam or complete coursework due to a religious observance may be excused and will have the opportunity to make up any such exam or coursework. To be excused for such absences, students must notify their instructors of the absence due to the religious observance by the second week of the semester in order to establish a make-up schedule for completing any exam or coursework, to the extent such schedule will not create an unreasonable burden on the College. Students may raise any claim that they have been denied an educational benefit due to their religious beliefs or practices under this policy, initially to the instructor and, if not resolved, through the College’s student grievance procedure. This policy implements the University Religious Observances Act, which reads in part:
Any student in an institution of higher learning, other than a religious or denominational institution of higher learning, who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up the examination, study, or work requirement that he or she may have missed because of such absence on a particular day; provided that the student notifies the faculty member or instructor well in advance of any anticipated absence or a pending conflict between a scheduled class and the religious observance and provided that the make-up examination, study, or work does not create an unreasonable burden upon the institution. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the student such an opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his or her availing himself or herself of the provisions of this Section. 110 ILCS 110/1.5(b).