How do accommodations work?
The University of Iowa’s policy is that “students who notify their instructor of a religious holy day conflict shall be excused from class or other scheduled academic activity to observe a religious holy day of their faith.”
Students who receive an exemption on religious grounds cannot be penalized for failing to attend class on the days exempted.
You must notify your instructor in writing within the FIRST THREE WEEKS of the semester that you will be absent from class to observe a religious holy day to receive excused absences for those days.
Where can i find ui policies?
You can find the University of Iowa's policies regarding absences for religious holy days in:
Your class syllabi
University of Iowa Operations Manual, Chapter 8.2
If you inform your instructor within the first three weeks of the semester and your instructor denies your request, you can go to https://dos.uiowa.edu/policies/student-complaints-concerning-faculty-action.
You can also let one of the Hillel staff know, and we’ll assist you.
make-up work
When your instructor accepts your request for an excused absence to observe the holidays, you are permitted a "reasonable amount of time"* to make up any work (including exams) that you miss.
*It is the instructor's discretion on how much time you'll have to make up work.
No matter how or where you observe the holidays, we only want what's best for you!
Hillel will host various opportunities and programs for the upcoming Jewish holidays this school year.
To learn more and sign up, follow us on Instagram @uihillel or visit our Lu.ma!