Religious Observance Policy

Policy:

It is the policy of James Sprunt Community College that any student of the institution must be granted two excused absences each academic year for religious observances required by the faith of the student in accordance with N.C.G.S. 115D-5(u) (2010)-112, s.2. The following additional guidance is provided:

Policy Guidance:

1. An academic year shall be defined to be that period of time starting on July 1 in one year and ending on June 30 in the following year.
2. The two excused absences may be taken at any time during the academic year either on separate days or on two consecutive days.
3. The excused absences shall be taken within the absences allowed in any approved attendance policy of the institution for class(es) being taken.
4. The student must submit a written request to his/her instructor for the excused absences at least ten (10) school days prior to the date the student intends to be absent for the religious observance.
5. Faculty members are expected to note the excused absences as appropriate in class record documents.
6. Students granted an excused absence for the purpose of religious observance shall be given the opportunity to make up any work or tests missed due to an excused absence.
7. No more than one test per day may be given to a student who is making up a test or tests due to the excused absence(s).
8. Instructors/faculty are prohibited from implementing unnecessary sanctions, requiring additional work, or making unreasonable requests of students who are duly granted excused absences for religious observance.
9. Should other provisions of the State Board Community College Code or the General Statutes apply, the College shall implement requirements to comply with those provisions.