Purpose
As an institution founded by and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The University of Tulsa honors and respects the place of religious life in all its diversity. The university seeks to support and foster an atmosphere in which members of the university community may freely observe their religious faith traditions.
Who is covered
Regular and temporary full-time and part-time faculty, administrative/professional staff, hourly staff and students.
Policy
The University of Tulsa urges its administrators, faculty, staff and students to be sensitive to the religious holidays of major faith traditions, so that all persons may participate in the essential practices of their faith without conflict with either academic or work requirements. Campuswide events, such as convocations, commencements and homecomings, should thus not be scheduled on major holidays of the religious traditions of university constituents. Likewise, the scheduling of tests and examinations on such days should be avoided if at all possible.
Where class scheduling conflicts are unavoidable, it is the policy of the university to excuse the student absence that results from attendance at religious observances. Faculty and/or academic administrators should provide opportunity for students to make up work or examinations missed in a timely manner and without penalty. Students should give two weeks’ notice to the course instructor of their intention to absent themselves when a scheduled activity conflicts with a formal observance of an organized religion or faith tradition.
Staff may also be excused, consistent with university leave policy, when the individual’s work schedule conflicts with a formal observance of an organized religion or faith tradition. Staff are asked to give adequate notice to their supervisor, based on departmental requirements.
Approved
Student Association — Jan. 21, 1999
Faculty Senate — Feb. 18, 1999
Staff Advisory Council — April 1, 1999
President’s Executive Committee — May 19, 1999