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Information for Students Regarding
Religious-Academic Conflicts


Provost Teresa A. Sullivan
University of Michigan

Although the University of Michigan, as an institution, does not observe religious holidays, it has long been the University's policy that every reasonable effort should be made to help students avoid negative academic consequences when their religious obligations conflict with academic requirements. Absence from classes or examinations for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. Students who expect to miss classes, examinations, or other assignments as a consequence of their religious observance shall be provided with a reasonable alternative opportunity to complete such academic responsibilities. It is the obligation of students to provide faculty with reasonable notice of the dates of religious holidays on which they will be absent. Such notice must be given by the drop/add deadline of the given term. Students who are absent on days of examinations or class assignments shall be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, unless it can be demonstrated that a make-up opportunity would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course. Should disagreement arise over any aspect of this policy, the parties involved should contact the Department Chair, the Dean of the School, or the Ombudsperson. Final appeals will be resolved by the Provost.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
Among the religious holidays that might pose conflicts with the 2008-09 academic calendar are:

2008 Holidays
 
Ramadhan** September 1-30
Rosh Hashanah*
September 29-October 1
Id al-Fitr October 1
Yom Kippur*
October 8-9
Sukkot*
October 13-15
Shemini Atzeret*
October 20-22
Diwali**
October 29-30
Id al-Adha
 December 8
   
2009 Holidays
 
Feast of the Epiphany
January 6
Eastern Orthodox Christmas (Julian Calendar)
January 7
Sankranti
January 14
Chinese New Year & Tet**
January 26
Ash Wednesday
February 25
Eastern Orthodox Beginning of Lent
March 2
Passover (Pesach)*
 April 8-16
Good Friday
April 10
Baisakhi
April 13
Eastern Orthodox Good Friday
April 17
Ascension Day
May 21
Eastern Orthodox Ascension Day
May 28
Shavuot * May 28-30

*Jewish holy days begin at sundown of the previous day and end at sundown of the last date given.
**These holidays are calculated on a lunar calendar and are approximate.

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