Ryerson is a community which celebrates diversity and places a high value on inclusion and respect for differences. Ryerson recognizes that the religious, Aboriginal or spiritual observances of students may conflict with their academic obligations and could potentially lead to a disadvantage if an accommodation is not arranged. Ryerson also accepts that sincerely held beliefs by members of the same religious group or Aboriginal peoples (from different nations) often engender different types of commitments for observance practices. In accordance with the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, which requires accommodations based on creed, this policy outlines how accommodations for the religious, Aboriginal or spiritual observances of Ryerson students will be determined.

Religious, Aboriginal or spiritual observances are often highly personal and subjective. This requires that instructors accept the sincerely held beliefs of students at face value and accommodate and address issues, through informal or formal procedures detailed in this policy. In responding to requests for accommodation, instructors will enable the observing student to meet the academic obligations of the course as presented in the course outline while ensuring that academic integrity is maintained. Accommodations should prevent academic disadvantage or penalty to the student in question. Instructors are encouraged to consult with the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Office for further information.

This policy deals exclusively with academic requirements including, but not limited to, lectures, labs, tests, assignments, practicum and final examinations. Observance may restrict participation in course activities, including:

absence from class

absence from scheduled exams

absence from scheduled placement

following specific dress codes

temporary absence from class for daily prayers, fasting or breaking a fast during class

other required activities outlined in the course syllabus.

Requests for accommodation of specific religious or spiritual observance must be presented to the instructor no later than two (2) weeks prior to the conflict in question (in the case of final examinations within two (2) weeks of the release of the examination schedule). In extenuating circumstances this deadline may be extended. If the dates are not known well in advance because they are linked to other conditions, requests should be submitted as soon as possible in advance of the required observance.

Given that timely requests will prevent difficulties with arranging constructive accommodations, students are strongly encouraged to notify instructors of an observance accommodation issue within the first two (2) weeks of classes. To facilitate timely requests and decision making, the University will take all practical steps to ensure that students and instructors are aware of the policy and related observance issues.

In cases where the timing of the submission of the request cannot be resolved with the instructor, the student should consult with the Chair or Director of the department responsible for the course.

To minimize potential conflict between religious and academic obligations, instructors are strongly encouraged to consult the Ryerson Religious Observance calendar at www.ryerson.ca/equity/calendar/ to review religious observances prior to finalizing the course outline.

Requests for accommodation of observance can be made informally or formally to the course instructor. Informal requests will be made verbally through private discussion or through an email between the student and instructor.

For formal requests, students must submit a clear explanation of the observance and requested accommodation along with a copy of the Accommodation of Student Religious, Aboriginal and Spiritual Observance form, which is available on the Senate website at www.ryerson.ca/senate/forms/relobservforminstr.pdf. Instructors will confirm accommodations, in writing, within five (5) days of receiving the request.

Alternatively, students may submit their formal request directly to their Chair/Director. In such cases, the Chair/Director will work with the instructor and the student to determine a mutually agreeable accommodation.

In any case where a mutually agreed upon accommodation cannot be reached, students have the right to appeal decisions made by the instructor to the Chair/Director of the academic unit responsible for the course in question. Decisions of the Chair/Director may be appealed to the Dean of the Faculty.

* The Student Declaration of Religious, Aboriginal and Spiritual Observance form is available on the Registrar's or Senate's website which is linked to Observance calendars through the Discrimination and Prevention Services website, providing students and faculty with a comprehensive description of some observance obligations.

For additional information go to www.ryerson.ca/senate.