Religious Observance Academic Accommodations for Students

University Policy 3125

Download a Printable Copy of Policy 3125

Effective Date

July 31, 2026

Responsible Party

Office of the Provost, (208) 426-1202

Office of Compliance and Ethics, (208) 426-1258

Scope and Audience

This policy applies to all student requests for academic accommodation for Religious Observances. The policy provides a process for Faculty or academic programs to respond to such requests. Non-academic religious accommodation requests can be made by contacting the appropriate department (see Section 9 – Appendix A).

Additional Authority

U.S. Constitution Amendment I
Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Article I, Section 4 Idaho Constitution (Guaranty of Religious Liberty)
The Idaho Human Rights Act – Idaho Code Chapter 59, Title 67
Idaho Code § 54-3416 (Counselors and Therapists – Sincerely Held Principles)
Idaho State Board of Education Policy, Section III.P (Students – Nondiscrimination)
University Policy 1060 (Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment)

1. Policy Purpose

To provide a process for students requesting, and Faculty members evaluating, student requests for Reasonable Accommodations for Religious Observances.

2. Policy Statement

Boise State University acknowledges each individual’s right to make personal choices regarding the nature, if any, of their Religious Observances and is committed to providing a pathway for providing Reasonable Accommodations for those Religious Observances in the educational environment.

While the University strives to provide Reasonable Accommodations to students for Religious Observances, there are some academic contexts in which accommodations may not be reasonable. For example, it may not be possible to provide accommodations for students needing to complete clinical hours as part of a degree program because Boise State University cannot control the clinical schedule or the policies and procedures of the clinical agency to which the student is assigned. Likewise, an accommodation that requires the significant redesign of a course or program is unlikely to be reasonable.

3. Definitions

3.1 Faculty

Includes all Faculty positions defined under section 5.2 of University Policy 7000 (Position Definitions), and any person employed by the University to provide instruction in a for-credit course.

3.2 Interactive Process

For purposes of this policy, an individualized, information-gathering approach used by the University to evaluate each request by a student for a Reasonable Accommodation due to their Religious Observance. It is intended to be a flexible approach that centers on communication between the student requesting a Reasonable Accommodation in their course or program, and the Faculty member receiving the request.

3.3 Reasonable Accommodation

A modification to an environment, practice, or process that enables an individual to practice or observe a sincerely held Religious Observance, but which does not fundamentally alter the essential requirements of a program or course or cause an Undue Hardship. A Reasonable Accommodation for a Religious Observance in the academic environment may include, but is not limited to, the following examples (non-exhaustive list for illustrative purposes only):

● Flexibility in, or rescheduling of, due dates, class attendance requirements, or exam dates;

● Substitution of an assignment or reading;

● Giving a make-up exam for a student;

● Altering the time of a student’s presentation;

● Providing an assignment to substitute for missed class work,

● Providing a recording of a class session missed due to Religious Observance;

● Releasing a graduate assistant from teaching or research responsibilities on a given day;

● Providing breaks or time away from class;

● Providing a time and/or place to pray; and/or

● Providing flexibility to wear religious attire.

A student should be given the opportunity to complete appropriate make-up work that is generally equivalent to a missed exam or assignment to the extent reasonably practical. If the accommodation involves substituting readings, films, or other content, alternative content should be selected to maintain support for the course learning outcomes.

The following are examples of what may not be a Reasonable Accommodation, including but not limited to:

The student would miss too many class sessions, and participation, if assessed as part of their grade, would be negatively impacted.
The request would require the Faculty member to change course requirements, implement a significant course redesign, and/or the student is expecting course content or requirements that would compromise the course learning outcomes.
The student is asking for an accommodation to extend outside the dates of a requested absence due to their Religious Observance or holiday.
The request would create an inequity among students in the class in terms of course expectations or experience.
The request would compromise academic integrity in the course (e.g., if a student asks to take an exam at a different time, ideally, they will take the exam the night before, as opposed to after the day it was given; the Faculty member is not expected to create a separate exam to grant a request for accommodation).

3.4 Religious Observance

Religious Observance refers to sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, and observances, including those associated with organized religions and/or sincerely held moral or ethical beliefs that are not part of a formal church or sect held with the strength of traditional religious views. Religious Observances may include but are not limited to observing religious holidays and/or holy days, attending worship services, praying, wearing religious garments or symbols displaying religious objects, adhering to certain dietary rules, refraining from certain activities, and/or engaging in religious expression that is not disruptive to the learning environment and adheres to The Student Code of Conduct (Policy 2020) and other applicable University policies.

3.5 Undue Hardship

A substantial burden on the University, when considering all relevant factors, that would result in a decision to deny a student’s requested accommodation of a student’s Religious Observance, including any of the following:

The cost of granting the requested accommodation is substantial in the overall context of the University’s work, taking into account the requested accommodation’s practical impact on the University in light of the University’s nature, size, and operating cost;
The requested accommodation jeopardizes the safety of the student who requires the accommodation, or the safety of others, the classroom, or academic program;
The requested accommodation imposes an unreasonable burden on, or infringes on the rights or benefits of other University Community members, including the Faculty member and/or other students, including, but not limited to, causing other students to carry the accommodated student’s share of potentially burdensome work;
The requested accommodation fundamentally alters or compromises the essential and/or fundamental requirements, technical standards, or learning outcomes of a course, program, or activity; or
The requested accommodation significantly disrupts the academic department/unit/program’s or University’s operations or the learning environment.

The determination of an Undue Hardship as a basis for denial of a student’s request for Reasonable Accommodation of a student’s Religious Observance is dependent on the facts of each individual situation and will be made on an individualized basis according to the responsibilities and process outlined in this policy.

3.6 Retaliation

Any action or threat designed to dissuade a reasonable person from asserting their rights under this policy, or to inflict retribution for assertion of their rights under this policy.

3.7 University Business Days

Monday through Friday, excluding weekends, official University holidays, and University closures.

4. Requesting and Responding to Requests for Religious Observance Accommodations

An accommodation request imposes responsibilities and obligations on both the student requesting the accommodation and the Faculty member receiving and evaluating a request for Reasonable Accommodation for a Religious Observance, requiring both parties to engage in an Interactive Process in good faith.

4.1 Student Responsibilities

a. Students are expected to examine the course syllabus when it is distributed for potential conflicts with holy days or other Religious Observances. The student requesting the accommodation is responsible for articulating to the Faculty member the need for a Reasonable Accommodation for Religious Observance well in advance of the need for accommodation.

For requests involving the extension of an assignment, the request should be made at the time the due date of the assignment is introduced.
For requests involving the modification of course content or a course requirement, the request should be made at the time the Faculty member notifies the students of the content or requirement (i.e., generally at the beginning of the course when the student gains access to the full syllabus).
For requests involving an absence to observe a religious holiday, a short prayer break, etc., the request should be made to the Faculty member at least ten (10) days in advance of the need for accommodation.

b. The student should include the following information in writing to the Faculty member:

The name or a description of the Religious Observance;
An explanation of the obligations and/or restrictions associated with the Religious Observance; and
The specific academic accommodations(s) requested (e.g., an extension on an assignment, alternate test date, change in assignment, etc.) and how the requested accommodation is related to the Religious Observance.

c. Students are responsible for fulfilling the course requirements, including obtaining the materials and information provided during any missed class(es), responding to the Faculty members attempt to engage with the student in the Interactive Process (e.g., responding to emails and meeting requests), and for working with the Faculty member on an appropriate timeline to submit any missed assignments, take any exams, or complete any organized activities.

d. Absence from class for Religious Observance does not relieve the student from their responsibility to complete coursework or make up exams or quizzes required during the period of absence.

e. Students must make up any missed work or in-class material or complete an alternative assignment(s) within a reasonable amount of time, as agreed upon by the Faculty member.

A student’s written request for the observance of any religious holiday listed on the University’s Religious Observance Calendar (note: the list is not an exhaustive list of religious holidays), or any other observed religious holiday, must be provided to the Faculty member at least ten (10) University Business days in advance of the absence.

4.2 Faculty Responsibilities

a. Once a student submits a request for a Religious Observance accommodation, the Faculty member must be timely and responsive to the request, either approving and establishing the requested accommodation(s) or responding to engage in further discussion through the Interactive Process within two to four (2-4) University Business Days of receiving the request.

b. A Faculty member is not required to accommodate a student’s request for an accommodation for a Religious Observance if it is untimely or if it poses an Undue Hardship as defined in Section 3.5.

c. Through the Interactive Process, the Faculty member may identify and propose to the student an alternative accommodation that may meet the student’s need(s) for a Reasonable Accommodation of their Religious Observance. If the student’s request is timely and does not pose an Undue Hardship, the student’s request should be granted or an alternative Reasonable Accommodation provided.

d. Generally, it is not necessary for a student requesting a Religious Observance accommodation to provide a Faculty member proof or documentation concerning the student’s religion or the Religious Observance at issue. In rare circumstances where the Faculty member has a bona fide doubt about the student’s stated Religious Observance, the Faculty member shall first consult with the Office of Compliance and Ethics to determine whether the Faculty member may engage in a limited inquiry to seek additional information from the student to assess the student’s stated Religious Observance.

e. The University provides resources and support to Faculty navigating these decisions. When an accommodation request is complex (e.g., related to core curricular content or would require substantial changes to course content or structure), a Faculty member is encouraged to consult with their department chair/unit leader, the Office of the Provost, the Dean of Student’s Office, the Office of Compliance and Ethics, and/or the Office of the General Counsel. A Faculty member should always consult with one or more of these resources before denying a student’s request for Reasonable Accommodation of their Religious Observance.

f. Religion is a deeply personal and private matter. Faculty members should respect a student’s privacy when a Religious Observance accommodation has been requested, discussing it only with other University employees on a need-to-know basis.

g. A student’s timely request for a Reasonable Accommodation to observe any religious holiday listed on the University’s Religious Observance Calendar (note: the list is not an exhaustive list of religious holidays), or any other observed religious holiday, shall be granted unless it creates an Undue Hardship. Such absence(s) may not be counted as a missed class in any course in which attendance is a measure of academic performance, unless the student is unable to make up missed coursework or complete assigned alternative work that allows the student to demonstrate their learning.

h. If the student fails to satisfactorily complete any alternative assignment or examination, the Faculty member may apply the same grading consequences established for all other students in the course.

5. Informally Resolving Disagreements

a. A student who believes they have unfairly or incorrectly been denied a reasonable Religious Observance accommodation by a Faculty member should first seek resolution by contacting the department chair/unit leader, or the program director if there is no department chair/unit leader.

b. A student who feels their concern was not fairly resolved by the department chair/unit leader or the program director is encouraged to email the Office of Compliance and Ethics at complianceandethics@boisestate.edu. The student should forward all relevant documentation supporting their attempts to informally resolve their request with the Faculty member and the department chair/unit leader/program director. The Office of Compliance and Ethics will review the documentation and meet with all relevant parties as needed. The Office of Compliance and Ethics will render a final decision on the matter. The final decision issued by the Office of Compliance and Ethics is the last step in the University’s informal resolution process and is not appealable.

6. Formal Complaint Process

A student who wishes to file a formal complaint involving prohibited discrimination and/or harassment based on religion (or any other protected class) under University Policy 1060: Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment may contact the University’s Office of Compliance and Ethics:

Office of Compliance and Ethics
Telephone (208) 426-1258
Email reportdiscrimination@boisestate.edu
Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Form.

A student may also file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights:

Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
915 Second Avenue, Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
Telephone (206) 607-1600
Fax: (206) 607-1601
OCR.Seattle@ed.gov

7. Retaliation Prohibition and Reporting

The University strictly prohibits Retaliation against a student for requesting a Religious Observance accommodation or for exercising any rights related to such a request. A student who believes they have been subjected to Retaliation should promptly contact the Office of Compliance and Ethics.

Office of Compliance and Ethics
Telephone (208) 426-1258
Email reportdiscrimination@boisestate.edu
Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Form.

8. Appendix A – Contact Information for Non-Academic Requests for Religious Accommodation

Boise State Dining
(208) 205-9964
boisestatedining@boisestate.edu

Campus Recreation
(208) 426-1131
recreation@boisestate.edu

Housing and Residence Life
(208) 447-1001
housing@boisestate.edu

Student Involvement and Leadership/Student Organizations
(208) 426-1223
getinvolved@boisestate.edu

9. Forms
Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Form

Calendar of Religious Holidays

FAQ document for Students/FAQ document for Faculty

University Policy 3120 (University-Recognized Student Absences and Academic Responsibility)

Revision History