It is the policy of the University to respect its members’ religious beliefs. In compliance with New York State law, each student who is absent from school because of his or her religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or make up any examination, study, or work requirements that he or she may have missed because of such absence on any particular day or days. No student will be penalized for absence due to religious beliefs, and alternative means will be sought for satisfying academic requirements involved.


Officers of administration and of instruction responsible for scheduling of academic activities or essential services are expected to avoid conflict with religious holidays as much as possible. If a suitable arrangement cannot be worked out between the student and the instructor, they should consult the appropriate dean or director. If an additional appeal is needed, it may be taken to the Provost.

Officers of administration and of instruction responsible for scheduling of academic activities or essential services are expected to avoid conflict with religious holidays as much as possible. If a suitable arrangement cannot be worked out between the student and the instructor, they should consult the appropriate dean or director. If an additional appeal is needed, it may be taken to the Provost.

The major holidays during the academic year are listed in the University’s student handbook, Facts About Columbia Essential to Students (FACETS) at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/facets/ and http://www.columbia.edu/.