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School amends policy
New university guideline allows students to miss class for religious holidays
By Beth Zuschlag
Contributing Writer
A new religious holidays policy amended on Feb. 4 places more responsibility with students. The policy now requires students to inform professors during the first 12 days of the semester of any religious absences they may have.
According to the old policy, professors could not have any assignments due on religious holidays observed on the SMU calendar.
Asad Rahman, Dedman II Senator and Student Issues chairman, said the old policy worked for mainstream religions, but not for minority religions whose holidays are not universally recognized.
The professor is then required to excuse the absences and make arrangements to have the student make the work up at a later date. That could mean anything from rescheduling a test to turning in an assignment before or after the religious holiday.
The wording of the 2002 religious holidays policy is also required on all class syllabi.
Rahman said the policy took 11 months to change because of many concerns raised. One such concern is that students will make up their own religious holidays just to get out of taking a test.
The new policy seeks to prevent this from happening. During the first 12 days of class students normally don't start scheming about how to get out of taking a test Rahman said. The honor code is also a preventative measure against abusing the system.
"This university operates on the honor code, so honesty is required of all the students at all times," Rahman said. "Professors can also check with the Chaplain's office to verify any religious holidays they express doubt about."
The Chaplain's office has agreed to be the checkpoint for any faculty member wishing to check religious holiday dates.
Ellen Jackofsky, associate provost for faculty and administrative affairs, said the new policy recognizes all students, staff and faculty.
"Given the growing number of diversity on campus, the policy demonstrates SMU's openness and respect for all religions," Jackofsky said.
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