Rule 82: Accomodations of Religous Observances in the Administration of Examinations
"Washington State University is committed to providing people of diverse religious backgrounds access to education. In addition, law requires reasonable accommodation of religious beliefs and practices. Because religious observances do not always conform to state and university holidays, accommodation of these religious observances may be necessary in the administration of examinations. It is the policy of the university to provide reasonable accommodation consistent with the fair, efficient and secure administration of its programs. When tests or examinations fall on days objectionable to a student because of religious beliefs, the student should contact the instructor as soon as possible. The instructor may require the student to submit a concise, written statement of the reasons for the request. If the request appears to be made in good faith, the instructor should make alternate arrangements for administration of the examination or test, considering the integrity of the testing process and fairness to all the students. If the instructor believes the request not to be in good faith, or if the instructor and the student are unable to agree on arrangements, the student or the instructor should seek the assistance of the department chair, cognizant dean, or the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, in that order. The student may also contact the University Ombudsman. Students should understand that fairness in the examination process is an important consideration in the educational process and that they have a duty to cooperate in making alternate arrangements."
Below is a partial list of religious holidays compiled by the Pullman Interfaith Dialog. Its members offer these holiday dates and a brief description so that students and faculty can be better informed about such observances. This obviously is not an exhaustive list. If you would like to add holiday dates and a brief description, please forward that information to Lisa Adair adairl@wsu.edu
The Pullman Interfaith Dialog has been in existence for many years, and includes interested leaders, three from each faith group and native of his/her religion, from the major religious traditions found in Pullman. Currently, we have religious leaders (some ordained, others WSU faculty or faculty emeritus) from Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
Below are holidays from our traditions we deem important to observe. We believe it would be appropriate for a student from one of these religions to request an excuse from a classroom activity in order to do so. We are available to assist as best we can with any questions of WSU faculty regarding the validity or meaning of a holiday observed by another religious tradition. The Pullman Interfaith Dialog can be contacted through Gail Stearns, Director, The Common Ministry at the K-House (next to the Bookie) at 332-2611 or gstearnscm@pullman.com. Members of the Interfaith dialog include WSU faculty Dr. Sayed Daoud, Dr. Larry Fox, Dr. Frank Loewus (retired) and clergy members Fr. Tom Mele and Rev. Kristine Zakarison.
Judaism
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year beginning nine days of penitence. Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew it means "First of the year." It is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. This is a festive holiday, and prayer at the Synagogue often ends with sharing of things sweet to eat and joyous holiday wishes. The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.
Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement," a solemn day devoted to prayer, fasting and repentance. Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year, occurring on the 10th day of Tishri. It is a complete Sabbath, a day to set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. No work can be performed on this day, and observers engage in a 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur (unless health restrictions prevent fasting). Most of the holiday is spend in the synagogue, in prayer. Services end with nightfall, and often the fast is broken with a shared feast. The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:26 et seq.
Passover (Pesach) is a celebration marking the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. This is the most commonly observed Jewish holiday, even by otherwise non-observant Jews. Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery (Ex. 1-15). The "worship" portion of the holiday takes place on the first day or two days of the holiday, when Jews have a special family meal called a seder (meaning "order") including a specific set of information recalling the Exodus from Egypt. Dietary restrictions are maintained for eight days beginning with the seder meal.
Islam
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Throughout the daylight hours of Ramadan, Muslims observe strict fasting from sunup to sundown. This month is held in honor of the Prophet Mohammed, for it was during the month of Ramadan that Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.
Eid al-Fitr is probably the most important Islamic holiday, and occurs on the day following the month of Ramadan. A joyous feast is celebrated among the community. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after an individual engages in the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
Eid ul Adha marks the end of the Hajj, which is an annual pilgrimage of Mulsims to Makkah (Saudi Arabia). This pligrimage is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Eid ul Adha is celebrated with prayers.
Christianity
The three major holidays for Christians, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, fall either during winter break or on a Sunday, when classes are generally not held. Two additional holidays are important for many practicing Christians to observe:
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Christians, both Catholic and Protestant. It occurs on the Wednesday before the first Sunday in Lent, six weeks before Easter Sunday (which is set on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox). Ashes, made from palm fronds, are blessed and distributed to those observing this day by signing participants with the sign of the cross on the forehead. This symbolizes our mortality and need for repentance. This is also a day of fast and abstinence from meat for Catholics. Worship often occurs in the evening, but may be at various times throughout the day.
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, and is a celebration of the passion, suffering and death by crucifixion of Jesus. Because the passion resulted in salvation for sinners, the day is called "good," and the liturgy reflects on love as much as loss. Participants reflect not only on their own sinfulness but also God's incomparable love for us. Worshippers often attend services at noon, although worship can occur at any time on Good Friday.
Baha'i
Declaration of the Bab is celebrated 2 hours after sunset on May 22, for on this evening in 1844, the Bab revealed his station and mission to the first follower. The Bab (the title means "The Gate") was the forerunner of the Baha'i Faith, similar to John the Baptist in Christianity, except he is believed to have received a full Revelation from God and His station is at the same level as Moses, Christ, Muhammed and Baha'u'llah.
Ascension of Baha'u'llah. Baha'ullah is the faith's prophet/founder. At 3am on this date in 1892, Baha'u'llah is believed to have left his earthly garment after 40 years of exile and imprisonment.
Martyrdom of the Bab. At noon on this day in 1850, the Bab was executed by a firing squad of 750 soldiers.
Ninth Day of Ridvan is the day that Baha'u'llah's family joined him in the Garden and he declared his mission to some of his followers.
Birth of Baha'u'llah (born in the year 1817).
Jewish:
Holidays begin at sundown on the day listed
|
|
Rosh Hashanah |
Yom Kippur |
Passover |
|
2005 |
Oct. 3(evening) & Oct. 4 (day & evening) |
Oct. 12 (evening) & Oct. 13 (day and evening) |
Apr. 23 (evening) & Apr. 24 (evening) |
|
2006 |
Sept. 22 (evening) & Sept. 23 (day & evening) |
Oct. 1 (evening) & Oct. 2 (day & evening) |
Apr. 12 (evening) & Apr. 13 (evening) |
|
2007 |
Sept. 12 (evening) & Sept. 13 (day and evening) |
Sept. 21 (evening) & Sept. 22 (day and evening) |
Apr. 2 (evening) & Apr. 3 (evening) |
Islamic:
|
|
Islamic New Year |
Ramadan |
Eid ul Fitr |
Eid ul Adha |
|
2005/6 |
Feb. 10, 2005 |
Oct. 5, 2005 |
Nov. 4, 2005 |
Jan. 10, 2006 |
|
2006 |
Jan. 31, 2006 |
Sept. 24, 2006 |
Oct. 24, 2006 |
Dec. 31, 2006 |
|
2007 |
Jan. 20, 2007 |
Sept. 13, 2007 |
Oct. 13, 2007 |
Dec. 20, 2007 |
Christian:
|
|
Ash Wednesday |
Good Friday |
|
2006 |
March 1 |
April 14 |
|
2007 |
Feb. 21 |
April 6 |
|
2008 |
Feb. 6 |
March 21 |
Baha'i:
|
Ninth Day of Rivdan |
Declaration of the Bab |
Ascension of Baha'u'llah |
Martyrdom of the Bab |
Birth of Baha'u'llah |
|
April 29 |
May 23 |
May 29 |
July 9 |
Nov. 12 |