MSU’s religious observance policy is in place to ensure that students and their instructors are free to observe cultural and religious traditions without academic penalty. This year, with Finals Week falling at a time when many religious observances are likely to be happening, it is worth reflecting on how we as educators can best build a culture of flexibility and accommodation into our teaching. Each class and each scenario will require a unique response, so blanket policy statements can only provide broad guidance; our responses when accommodation requests come in must be bounded by that guidance, but must also be responsive to the specific demands of our class and the individual needs of the students making the requests.
MSU’s religious observance policy underscores the importance of believing students’ needs for accommodations without requiring them to prove their religious commitments. It’s crucial for instructors to be open and encouraging towards such self-advocacy, creating a classroom atmosphere that is both welcoming and safe, while providing clear mechanisms for students to communicate with the instructor any accommodation requests that they may have.
It’s also essential to acknowledge that accommodations need to be flexible and tailored to the specific context of each class, considering factors such as course size, modality, type, timing, structure, and many others. Instructors should be responsive to the needs of their individual students, adapting as necessary while keeping the educational objectives in focus. The goal is always to ensure an equitable learning experience, which is more easily accomplished when a class employs the principles of Universal Design for Learning.
By being open to modifying our approaches based on the unique needs and circumstances of our students, we can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. This not only benefits students who require accommodations but enriches the educational experience for the entire class.