Religious Observance Policy

Georgia College values the religious diversity of our students. Major religious holidays that will be observed on class days are included on the academic calendar for each term.

Students are permitted to miss class in observance of religious holidays and other activities observed by a religious group of which the student is a member without academic penalty.  Observance is limited to the date(s) of the holiday; supplemental time (e.g., travel time to go home to observe the holiday with family) is not eligible for accommodation.  Exercising one’s rights under this policy is subject to the GC Honor Code. 

Students who will miss class in observance of a religious holiday or event are required to notify each instructor in writing within the first week of class of the semester in which the observance occurs and to make up the coursework missed as a result of the absence.  The Religious Observance Faculty Notification Form may be used to facilitate this notification. The nature of the make-up assignments and the deadline for completion of such assignments are at the sole discretion of the instructor.  Given the time limitations inherent in completing end-of-semester assignments and final exams, this policy does not apply during finals week.  Students are expected to take final exams at the scheduled times and complete end-of-semester work by the deadlines set by each instructor. 

Failure to follow the prescribed procedures voids all student rights under this policy.  Students may appeal actions taken by an instructor under this policy through the GC academic grievance process.