MSU is deeply committed to maintaining an environment in which every employee and student is treated with dignity and respect. MSU complies with all federal and state regulations prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on any of the 16 protected classes, including, but not limited to, race, national origin/ancestry, religion & creed, and political belief.

More information can be found in MSU's Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy.

Consistent with this, MSU provides reasonable accommodations for students and employees to attend ceremonial or religious events related to their protected class identities.

Examples of ceremonial or religious leave may include:

  • Excused absences for religious holidays or ceremonies.
  • Adaptations or modifications to required work uniforms.
  • Modified schedules or deadlines to accommodate religious practices or ceremonies.

How to request accommodations for ceremonial or religious needs

1. Start with your professor, instructor, or supervisor.

Many professors and supervisors at MSU will work with you directly to allow you to attend ceremonial or religious events. Talk with them first, as they may provide the accommodations informally.

If you are an employee, contact your Human Resources Business Partner (https://www.montana.edu/hr/staff-directory/index.html.)

2. Contact the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)

If you are unable to agree on a reasonable accommodation, contact OIE via our assistance request form.

Request Assistance from OIE

 

You can also call or email OIE at (406) 994-1568 or [email protected].

OIE will work with you and your professor/supervisor to find a reasonable accommodation. This is a balance, as you will still need to meet all of the class/job requirements. Each situation will be assessed case-by-case, as no two situations are the same.

Examples of reasonable ceremonial or religious accommodations 

These examples are not required, expected, or always possible in all situations, nor is this list exhaustive.

  • Excused absences.
  • Permission to miss in-class lectures and watch recorded lectures when available.
  • Makeup assignments.
  • Extended deadlines on assignments.
  • Makeup exams or labs.
  • Spend open office hours with your professor or instructor to replace lecture or lab time.
  • Retroactive withdrawal from the class.