C260: Religious Accommodations

Approved by: Faculty Senate
Effective: April 26, 2016
Responsible FS Committee: Policy Committee
Office Responsible for Administration: Office of the Provost or Executive Vice President for Health Sciences

Applicability

All UNM students, academic faculty and administrators.

Policy Rationale

The University of New Mexico (UNM) community is sensitive to the religious practices of the various faiths represented in its student body and employees. This Policy Document provides guidance to faculty, supervisors, and students pertaining to requests for religious accommodations.

Policy Statement

Every reasonable effort should be made to help students avoid negative academic consequences when their religious obligations conflict with academic requirements. UNM respects the right of all students and faculty to observe religious holidays and will make reasonable accommodation, upon request, for such observances. If a request for accommodation is denied, the student or faculty member may appeal to the Provost or the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences.

Procedures

Students must submit written requests for accommodation to their course instructor. If possible, the student should submit the request by the end of the second week of the semester. The request should include the date, times, and specific event for which accommodation is being requested. Faculty are expected to give students the opportunity to do appropriate make-up work that is intrinsically no more difficult than the original exam or assignment. A refusal to accommodate is justified only when it would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course.

Faculty should work with their department chair to coordinate their schedules with their religious observances.

Definitions

No specific definitions are required for the Policy Statement.

Contacts

Direct any questions about this policy to the Office of the Provost or the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences.

Who should read this policy

• Students
• Faculty
• Department Chairs, academic deans and other academic administrators and executives

Related Documents

UNM Regents’ Policy Manual

• Policy 2.3

History

• July 1, 2025 - Policy format updated to align with FHB A53
• March 26, 2025 - Minor/maintenance update
• August 25, 2022 - Updated title of Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and updated relevant Regents' policies, per FHB Policy A53 procedures
• April 26, 2016—Revised policy approved by the Faculty Senate.