By law, a request for an alternate examination date that does not violate a student’s religious creed must be accommodated.
In compliance with Section 92640 of the California Education Code, the University must accommodate requests for alternate examination dates for any test or examination at a time when that activity would not violate a student’s religious creed. This requirement does not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship which could not reasonably be avoided.
- Accommodation for alternate examination dates are worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the faculty member involved. In general, the student should make such requests of the instructor during the first two weeks of any given academic term, or as soon as possible after a particular examination date is announced by the instructor.
- A student unable to reach a satisfactory arrangement with the instructor should contact the Office of Ombuds Services or the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance.
- Instructors who have questions or who wish to verify the nature of the religious event or practice involved should contact the Office of Ombuds Services or the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance.
This policy has been reviewed and approved by the Academic Senate Undergraduate Council. Faculty members should remember that while it is fully in their discretion to make arrangements with individual students for alternate examination times, including final examinations, faculty members must conduct the scheduled final examination for the class as a whole at the times and places established by the department chair and the Registrar’s Office.