Cultural and Religious Observances
As a university committed to inclusive excellence, we must affirm religious and cultural identity and recognize the many religious and cultural holidays, traditions, and practices observed by members of our community. Religious and cultural observances may preclude individuals' full participation in university events and activities, and we have a responsibility to accommodate these important aspects of our community members' lives.
To raise awareness of the range of religious and cultural observances that may be celebrated by members of the SIUE community, please review a multifaith calendar developed by The Center for Mission and Identity at Xavier University with support from the Conway Institute for Jesuit Education. This calendar is not all-inclusive and is not intended to exclude any religion, sacred time, or days of religious observance; however, it is a useful guide that can assist with planning.
Students, faculty, and staff observing religious traditions may also have specific dietary needs that may also require some individuals to fast or adjust their diet. In addition to providing for the specific dietary needs of individuals, it is important to consider how these needs may affect plans for programs and services on campus.
Academic and Workplace Accommodations
The University, in accordance with the University Religious Observances Act (110 ILCS 110/et seq.) will reasonably accommodate the religious observances of individual students in regard to admissions, class attendance and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements. Religious observance or religious practice includes all aspects of religious observance and practice, as well as belief. Read the full policy.
SIUE's Religious Accommodation Policy extends reasonable accommodations to faculty and staff as well. Employees may request adjustments including:
- Flexible scheduling
- Time off for religious observances
- Access to quiet spaces for prayer or meditation
- Other modifications to workplace requirements
Please review the full Religious Accommodation Policy online for more information.
INSPIRES Campus Climate Index
The Interfaith, Spiritual, Religious, and Secular Campus Climate Index, or INSPIRES Index, is an assessment tool that measures, evaluates, and represents an institution’s efforts towards, and commitment to, establishing a welcoming climate for students of different worldview identities. INSPIRES scores campuses using one to five stars to reflect overall welcome, as well as accomplishments in seven specific domains:
- Academic Engagement
- Religious Accommodations
- Space for Support and Expression
- Structural Diversity
- Institutional Behavior
- Efforts to Reduce Negative Engagement
- Extracurricular Engagement
SIUE will use this tool for benchmarking and for continuous improvement to the campus climate as it relates to religious diversity and inclusion.
