Religious Beliefs

Policy AP 726: Reasonable Adjustment for Student Religious Beliefs

Purpose

Moraine Park Technical College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects the religious beliefs and practices of all students. This policy ensures reasonable instructional or activity adjustments for students whose religious beliefs conflict with college requirements, unless such adjustments create an undue hardship for the College.

Scope

  • Applies to all enrolled students at Moraine Park Technical College.
  • Does not apply to clinical sites or third-party instructional providers.

Legal Compliance

This policy complies with:

  • Wisconsin Administrative Code, Technical College System 14: Accommodation of Student Religious Beliefs.
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • EEOC Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Religion (29 CFR 1605.1–1605.3).

Commitment

The College will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable adjustments for students whose religious beliefs or practices conflict with academic or student activity requirements, unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

Undue hardship may include:

  • More than a minimal cost or burden.
  • Safety concerns or inability for the student to meet essential course/program requirements.
  • Other circumstances as defined by law.

Procedure PR 726.01: Reasonable Adjustment for Student Religious Beliefs

Student Responsibilities 

  • Initiate Request
    • Meet with the instructor or staff member to discuss the adjustment after course expectations have been reviewed.
    • If the adjustment involves schedule changes, provide proposed modifications at the start of the term or activity.
  • Provide Timely Notice
    • Notify the instructor/staff at least one week prior to the event or requirement, unless impracticable.
    • Submit written requests for adjustments before the date of the assessment or activity.

Instructor/Staff Responsibilities

  • Treat student information regarding religious beliefs as confidential, to the extent practicable.
  • Collaborate with the student to determine a reasonable adjustment.
  • Examples of reasonable adjustments include:
    • Excused absences for religious observances.
    • Rescheduling exams or deadlines.
    • Permitting religious dress or grooming (unless it poses a safety hazard).
    • Providing access to private spaces for prayer.
  • Minimum Requirement:
    • Students approved for an adjustment must have an opportunity to make up missed work or activities without penalty.
  • Documentation:
    • Agreed-upon adjustments must be documented by the instructor/staff in writing (email or letter) and forwarded to the Director for Student Support Services for final approval.

Appeal Process

If the instructor/staff denies the request or offers an unsatisfactory adjustment:

  1. The student and instructor meet with the Dean/Director of the instructional area.
  2. If no resolution:
    1. The student may file a written grievance with the Director for Student Support Services within five calendar days of the meeting.
    2. The Director will:
      1. Schedule a conference with both parties.
      2. Issue a written decision prior to the relevant religious observance, when possible.
  3. Final Appeal:
    1. Students may appeal the Director’s decision to the Moraine Park Technical College District Board within 30 calendar days.
    2. The Board’s decision is subject to review under Chapter 227 of Wisconsin Statutes and WTCS Chapter 4.