Start of Term Notice: Guidance on Religious Accommodations
January 21, 2026
Guidance on Religious Accommodations
Ensure students can pursue their education and practice their faith
Dear Faculty and Instructors,
Stony Brook is committed to ensuring every student can pursue their education while
practicing their faith. Each of you plays a vital role in upholding this commitment
in your classrooms, labs, studios, and teaching and learning spaces.
Please take a moment to review the information and calendar of major religious holidays
on the Registrar’s Office website.
View the Guidance and Holiday Calendar
As a Stony Brook faculty member, please remember these key responsibilities:
- Make-up Requirements: As much as possible, please avoid scheduling exams, presentations, or major assignment deadlines on religious holidays. When this is unavoidable, students should be offered an equivalent opportunity to make up for missed work.
- Expectations of Students: Remind your students that they are responsible for notifying you as early as possible if they will require accommodations for religious observances.
If you have questions or need additional advice, please reach out to the Provost’s Office.
Take a moment to review the document and consider its implications for yourself, your teaching, and your students.