Days of Religious Significance

In order that no student at Colgate incur academic penalty because of his or her conscientious observance of a major religious holiday, it is important that faculty members follow a uniform policy regarding such observance. Exams should not be scheduled, and papers should not become due, on any major religious holiday or on the subsequent day. In addition, every effort will be made not to schedule major college events on these days. For scheduling purposes involving the student body, Colgate recognizes as major religious holidays the following: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, the first two days of Passover, Good Friday, Easter, and the first days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather it is demographically representative of the current student body. However, Colgate embraces our increasingly diverse and multicultural campus community, and recognizes that some religious holidays observed by students are not included in the list above. With respect to such holidays, students are entitled to full and equal accommodation. Students whose conscientious religious observance requires that they observe holidays other than those specified should inform their instructors well in advance. In such cases, each instructor and student shall arrange an accommodation consistent with the policy described above (including rescheduling exams or assignments, class absences, and so on).

Please note that Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish holidays begin on the preceding evening. Jewish holidays require the cessation of work for the duration of the festival, and not simply during the time when services are held. Students observing Ramadan may need accommodation for their fasting arrangements. Please consult the Office of the Chaplains for a detailed calendar of religious holidays.