Absences for Religious Holidays

A student whose absence from an hour or midterm examination is a consequence of his or her religious belief "shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination" (Commonwealth of Massachusetts H6642-a bill enacted in September 1985 excusing the absence of students for their religious beliefs). It is the responsibility of the students concerned to provide instructors with the dates on which they will be absent because of a conflict with the religious holidays they will be observing. If conflicts are unavoidable, students who are absent from hour or midterm examinations for religious reasons shall be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, unless it can be demonstrated that such a make-up opportunity would constitute an "unreasonable burden" on the faculty.