The Academic Accommodation of Religious Obligations policy is in Section VIII of the current Undergraduate Calendar. The policy details the University's acknowledgement of the pluralistic nature of the student community and the potential for need for accommodation based on conflicts between religious obligations and academic requirements. The University's policy acts to ensures that the academic environment supports both the guarantee of religious freedom provided by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and a setting free of harassment and discrimination on the grounds of creed as required by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Academic Accommodation
Students who experience a conflict between a religious obligation and scheduled tests, mid-term examinations, final examinations, or requirements to attend classes and participate in laboratories should be accommodated. Students requiring academic accommodation are directed to contact the instructor in charge of the course within two weeks of the distribution of the course outline to identify conflicts and make alternative arrangements. When a request for accommodation cannot be resolved between the student and the instructor the Chair of the Department (or the Director of the School), in consultation with the Dean, is identified as a mediator. In the event that questions about holy days arise the Multi-Faith Resource Team and/or the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (DHR) may be consulted.
Religious Holidays and Obligations
Some holy days have religious obligations that apply only to the date on which the holiday falls. Other holy days have religious obligations that begin at sundown the day before the day listed on the calendar. Religious obligations of some holy days that span consecutive days may end after sundown on the last day of the period.
Dates for the Current Academic Year
A list of holy days, their calendar dates, and further information about specific holy days is available on the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (DHR) website.