Students' Religious Observance and Class Attendance
Date: February 12, 2021
To: NYU Faculty
Re: Students' Religious Observance and Class Attendance
NYU policy permits members of any religious group to absent themselves from classes without penalty when required for compliance with their religious obligations.
This spring is a time of important religious observance for many of our students. Notwithstanding the University's policy and approach, some students may feel uncomfortable alerting their professors to upcoming absences related to religious observance. I thank you for helping to create an atmosphere of understanding and responding to our students' needs.
Where questions arise about applying the policy to specific circumstances, faculty should consult with their department chairs and Deans of their schools. The Office of Global Spiritual Life is also available to answer any questions that you may have about specific religious traditions.
Finally, in cases where religious observance necessitates students’ missing scheduled class exams, the Moses Center for Student Accessibility, in collaboration with the Office of Global Spiritual Life, can assist with Zoom proctoring for make-up exams. You can email csaexams@nyu.edu for assistance.