Sept. 9, 2025

As we start a new semester, we want to remind all members of the URI community of policies regarding absences due to religious observance, military service, and participation in University-sanctioned events, including athletics. 

Please familiarize yourself with the University Manual policies on religious observance (6.20.10 and 8.51.11), military service (8.51.12), and University-sanctioned events (8.51.13). In academic settings, faculty are requested to ensure that course expectations and grading policies are consistent with these provisions. Students should not be penalized or receive grades of 0 for assignments or assessments missed due to these absences. In administrative or extracurricular settings, students, faculty, and staff should not be penalized for missing work or activities due to these absences. 

Community members needing to miss class or work due to religious observance, military service, or other University-sanctioned events are expected to notify their professors or supervisors in advance and are responsible for making up any missed work. If faculty and staff are planning to cancel classes or meetings for their own observance of religious holy days, please ensure that your students and necessary colleagues know in advance that you will not be holding class or meetings and what alternate arrangements, if any, you have made.

In addition, when there is flexibility in scheduling a program, meeting, or other gathering, conflicts with religious observances should be taken into consideration. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to review the cultural heritage and holiday calendar when scheduling programs, activities, assignment due dates, and exams. The URI Chaplains Association, University affiliates from many faith traditions, serves as a resource to support spiritual and religious diversity at URI.

Please note that the Academic Testing Center (ATC) offers a dedicated facility and professional proctoring support for faculty and students. Faculty are invited to submit requests for exams and quizzes for students with approved testing accommodations, excused absences, and culturally responsive assessments. Visit: https://web.uri.edu/atc/faculty/ for more information. Faculty, colleges, and departments interested in ATC services, unique needs, or expanded partnerships can contact Lisa Macaruso, associate director for the academic testing center and inclusive learning strategies, at lmacaruso@uri.edu for a consultation.

Faculty and staff with questions about accommodations for University-sanctioned absences due to their own observances or obligations may contact Human Resources. Students with questions about accommodations for University-sanctioned absences should contact the Dean of Students Office. The Center for Military and Veteran Education is a resource for all military-connected students, faculty, and staff. Students, faculty, and staff with concerns about denials of accommodation requests due to religious observance or military service are encouraged to visit the Office of Equal Opportunity for additional information. 

Thank you in advance for your attention to these reminders as well as all that you will do this academic year to foster an inclusive, people-centered culture.

Barbara E. Wolfe, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ellen Reynolds, Vice President for Student Affairs
Markeisha J. Miner, Vice President for Community, Equity and Diversity