Absence for Religious Reasons

Massachusetts law and Boston University policy require faculty and staff to accommodate students who plan to be absent due to religious observance and to provide them with a reasonable opportunity to make up an examination, study, or work requirement missed due to their religious observance, if such accommodation does not create an unreasonable burden on the faculty or staff member.

The University implements this law as set forth in the Policy on Student Absence due to Religious Observance.

Accommodations due to Religious Observance

Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis and are between the student and their professor or supervisor. Students are required to inform their instructors or supervisors, in writing, of conflicts with the course or work schedule and requirements due to their religious observance as early as possible in the semester, and in any case no later than one week in advance of the conflict, so that accommodations can be made.

The student begins the process by asking their professor or supervisor individually and in writing for an accommodation per the religious observance policy. When informing their professor or supervisor in writing we recommend that the student describe the religious observance in detail and answer the following questions.

  • What is your religious tradition? (Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, etc.)
  • How is this holiday observed as part of your religious tradition? (worship services, religious rituals, prayers, fasting, travel, etc.)

Once a student informs their professor or supervisor of a conflict due to religious observance, the parties should seek to arrive at mutually acceptable alternative arrangements for class work and examinations or work requirements. To avoid misunderstandings, the agreed-upon arrangement should be put in writing. Our office is available to offer support and clarity when necessary to all parties throughout this process.

Religious Holidays

Each academic year Religious Life provides a listing of major days of religious observance for our community. This listing of religious holidays is intended as a guide for BU students, faculty, and staff. It is not a comprehensive list of all religious holidays. The exact dates for some religious holidays may vary slightly based on lunar sightings and local observance.

For PDF Download: 2024-2025 MULTIFAITH CALENDAR