Student FAQs

Because of my religious/spiritual belief, I will be absent from class on the day of a test, or the day an assignment is due. My instructor said I had to take the test/turn in the assignment a day before the rest of class. Can they dictate when I make-up the missed test/assignment? 

They can.

If I have an assignment that is due one-week after it has been assigned, and I have an excused absence for three days in the middle of the week, do I automatically get a 3-day extension on the assignment, or is it the same due date? 

No. You are expected to either turn the assignment in prior to your three-day absence or work with your instructor(s) to come up with a solution to when the work must be submitted.

What are some examples of excused absences associated with organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organization? 

Please refer to the Non-exhaustive List of Religious Holidays/Holy Days for a better understanding of excused absences under the approved HB353.

What are my responsibilities if I want/need to be absent from class because of my religious/spiritual beliefs and/or observances? 

You are responsible for appropriately informing your instructor(s) of the dates that you will be absent from class within the first 14 days of the semester. You are also responsible for working with your instructor(s) to identify the due date for any missed work (e.g., assignments, quizzes, exams, papers).

What if my religious/spiritual beliefs require more than three absences? 

Under the specifications in HB353, you are only approved to miss three days of class for religious/spiritual beliefs. Additional days of absence will be handled according to existing university policy on classroom absence. Please refer to Policy Register for additional clarification.

What should I do if my professor is asking me uncomfortable personal questions about my religious or spiritual practices after I request an excused absence? 

You are not required to answer any personal questions from your instructor(s) regarding your request of absence for religious or spiritual reasons. If you have concerns about the nature of questions being asked by your instructor, you may contact the Student Ombuds at 330.672.9494 or ombuds@kent.edu.