[GW InfoMail] Religious observances and holidays

Important Message from Provost Lerman

Respect for diversity is one of GW’s core values, extending to all aspects of our community. In keeping with this value, the university has adopted guidelines, recommended by the Faculty Senate, that ensure students and faculty may observe religious holidays without academic penalty.

Faculty are asked to use the guidelines when scheduling assignments and exams. Religious holidays that are observed during breaks (i.e. Christmas) are not included in this list because no special accommodations are required.

Students should notify faculty during the first week of each semester of planned absences for religious observances. Faculty are strongly encouraged to include a statement to this effect in a prominent location on the syllabus for each class.

This information is also posted on the Office of the Provost website under the resources tab. Please also make sure that colleagues who join the university mid-semester are aware of the guidelines.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Provost at 202-994-6510.

Thank you for complying with this important policy.