To: NYU Faculty

From: Provost Katherine E. Fleming

Date: Friday, February 1, 2019

As a nonsectarian, inclusive institution, NYU policy permits members of any religious group to absent themselves from classes without penalty when required for compliance with their religious obligations. The policy and principles to be followed by students and faculty may be found here: The University Calendar Policy on Religious Holidays.

The spring is a time of important religious observance for many of our students. Some students may miss a significant amount of class during the semester, as they choose to observe religious holidays.

Notwithstanding the University's supportive approach to these matters, some students may feel uncomfortable alerting their professors to upcoming absences related to religious observance. As we start the new semester, I thank you for your continued cooperation in creating an atmosphere of understanding and accommodation in response to our students' commitment to religious observance in a wide array of traditions. Where questions arise about applying the policy to specific circumstances, faculty should consult with their department chairs and Deans of their schools.