OUWB Religious Observance

Authorizing Body:

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Date Issued:

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Rationale:

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is committed to supporting faculty, staff, and students in observing religious holidays of significance to them.

Scope and Applicability:

All students enrolled in the School of Medicine

Standard Practice Guideline:

Every reasonable effort will be made to avoid scheduling conflicts, as well as to help students avoid academic consequences when their religious obligations conflict with academic requirements. Given the various religious faiths represented within the School of Medicine and in keeping with the nonsectarian nature of the Medical School, this guideline is intended to apply equitably to all religious groups and to provide opportunities to all to meet their religious observations.

Procedures:

• Students who find that their classes or examinations involve conflicts with their religious observances are expected to notify the faculty at least two (2) weeks in advance, so that alternative arrangements may be sought.
• It is the obligation of the student to provide faculty with at least two (2) weeks’ notice of the dates of religious holidays in which they will be absent. Absence from classes or examinations due to religious observance does not exempt students from the responsibility of completing the work.
• 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 is determined that a make-up opportunity would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course.
• In an effort to facilitate students’ comfort with presenting requests for religious accommodations, any student, can make requests for religious accommodation through the Course Director, the Course Coordinators, the Associate Dean for Medical Education or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
• In Years 3 and 4 the student may alternatively make arrangements in advance of any absence related to religious observation by contacting the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Clinical Education or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
• No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails him/herself of the provisions of these guidelines.
• Should disagreement arise regarding any aspect of these guidelines, the parties involved should contact the Associate Dean for Medical Education, who will help the parties find resolution.

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