Observing Religious Holidays

Ferris State University seeks to be an inclusive community respecting, supporting, and celebrating diversity. Ferris’ Academic Affairs’ Religious Holidays Policy (see below) details expectations of reasonable accommodations for students observing religious holy days.

Following the policy letter is a listing of many religious and faith observances with general practices, date details, and recommended accommodations. This is not a definitive list. Contact the Office of the Provost to include other practices. These holidays are also listed on the Ferris Web Calendar. 

Academic Affairs’ Policy Letter - Religious Holidays 

“Ferris State University will make reasonable accommodations for students who are absent from the University in observance of religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the faculty in writing during the first week of the semester of their intention to be absent from class on their day(s) of religious observance. Upon formal notification, the faculty will excuse the student from the class, labs, and clinics for the holiday(s) and allow the student to make up missed exams; however, the student is responsible for completion of all missed work within a reasonable time as determined by the faculty. 

Requests for absence to participate in religious activities, other than recognized religious holidays, are not recognized by the University as excused absences. The student may present such a request to the faculty during the first week of the semester and the faculty may approve such an absence at his or her discretion. If the instructor approves the absence, the student is responsible for completion of all missed work within a reasonable time as determined by the faculty. 

If a student disagrees with the faculty member's determination, the student may make a written appeal to the dean of the student's college. The decision of the dean is final.” 

Listing of Religious Observances 2023-2024

 

Holiday content taken and modified from the University of Missouri – Inclusion, Diversity & Equity