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Chapter 151C of the Massachusetts General Laws states: “Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.”

Instructors must accept a student’s assertion of the need to be absent from class for religious reasons, but students are required to notify instructors in advance that they will miss class in order to observe a religious holiday. University policy and Massachusetts state law require faculty to offer make-up assignments or exams to students who are absent for religious observance.

Students planning to be absent from classes due to religious observance must notify their instructors at least one week in advance. In the event of a dispute between a student and a faculty member, either party should contact the department head or the Ombuds Office, tel. (413) 545-0867.

As an aid to curriculum planning, the Office of the Provost offers the following list of major religious observances through Spring 2012. Please note that Jewish, Baha’i, and some Muslim religious observances begin at sundown of the previous day. This list is not exhaustive. Faculty should also consult the more complete list of Days of Religious Observance available at the Religious Affairs Committee’s website: www.umass.edu/religious_affairs.