Religious Accommodation Requests

Religious Accommodation Requests

Purpose of policy. Macomb Community College is committed to supporting students’ sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. This policy outlines the process for requesting reasonable academic accommodations related to religious observances, holidays, or practices.

Requesting a Religious Accommodation

I. Speak with Your Instructor First. Students seeking an accommodation for a sincerely held religious belief should begin by contacting their course instructor as early as possible.
Instructors will work with students to determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be provided without fundamentally altering course requirements.

II. Alternative Option: Contact the Associate Dean If the accommodation request cannot be resolved at the course level, the student may appeal to the Associate Dean who oversees the academic area.

Students who are unsure who the appropriate Associate Dean is may contact: Rachel Duff, Director of Counseling, Academic Advising, Student Access Service and Programs at duffandersonr374@macomb.edu or 586.286.2270. She will direct the student to the appropriate Associate Dean.

Documentation

The College may request reasonable information to confirm the nature or dates of the religious observance for which the accommodation is requested. Students are not required to disclose personal information beyond what is necessary to evaluate the request.

Timing of Requests

Students should make accommodation requests as early as possible, ideally at the start of the semester or as soon as they become aware of a conflict. Late requests will still be considered; however, options may be more limited depending on course timelines and academic requirements.

Non Retaliation

No student will be penalized, discriminated against, or retaliated against for making a good faith request for a religious accommodation.

 

Approved by President’s Council
February 17, 2026