CON Student Handbook

Reasonable Modifications & Accommodations for Religious Observances & Practices

Modifications

Chamberlain University respects the right of all students to observe and practice their religious faiths. Accordingly, Academic leaders are to make reasonable modifications, upon request, for such observances. It is the responsibility of the students involved to notify the Program Dean/Dean, Academic Affairs or approved designee in a timely manner concerning their need for such modifications.

Chamberlain University supports the concept of “Reasonable Modifications of Religious Observances.” A student who is unable to attend classes/clinical/practicum, etc. on a particular day or days or at a particular time of day, because of the observance of a religious event, shall be excused from any examination, any study, attendance policy or other assignments on such days or times to be completed at another agreed upon time.

Students are required to provide advanced written notice, via a request form, to their Program Dean/DAA or approved designee at least ten calendar days prior to the observed religious observance(s) as listed on the Interfaith Calendar (interfaith-calendar.org). The religious observance request form can be provided by a academic support advisor.

Accommodations

A student who has a request or question regarding other potential religious accommodations in regard to admission, attendance, vaccinations, attire and other requirements, that do not coincide with the Interfaith Calendar (interfaith-calendar.org), should contact the Office of Equity and Access at [email protected].

Students may wear religious head coverings and attire during assessments consistent with their sincerely held religious beliefs.  If the head covering or attire covers a student’s ears, a student must clearly demonstrate they do not have any device or aid in their ears prior to the assessment. 

  • ​For in person testing: 
    • Immediately before the assessment begins the student will complete one of the following in the presence of the proctor: 
      1. Show their ears if it does not violate a religious tenet to do so. 
      2. ​​Press their finger over the head covering into the ear canal of each ear so that the indentation is visible.
  • For remote testing: 
    • After the assessment recording begins and immediately before answering the first question the student will complete one of the following into the webcam: 
      1. Press their finger over the head covering into the ear canal of each ear while turning their ear toward the camera so that the indentation is visible. 
      2. Show their ears to the camera prior to beginning the assessment if it does not violate a religious tenet to do so. 

​If a student’s religious head covering or attire covers a student’s face, prior to taking an assessment, the student must seek a religious accommodation with the Office of Equity and Access (OEA) by reaching out to [email protected].

In addition to a written request for accommodation, a student is required to provide a statement from the Faith Leader and/or documentation applicable to the particular accommodation being requested.

Note: It is the responsibility of all student-employees of the University to coordinate their student-employment obligations in advance of their absences and/or to utilize accrued leave (if applicable) during the absences.

Students who believe that they have been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of religious observances and practices can seek resolution through the Office of Equity and Access at [email protected].

Complaints may also be filed with the US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights at:

Office for Civil Rights
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC. 20202-1100
Customer Service Hotline: 800.421.3481; Facsimile: 202.453.6012;
TDD: 877.521.2172; Email: [email protected]; Web: ed.gov/ocr