“Absence for Religious Observance” policy is updated with student eForm to request an absence

The Cincinnati State policy related to Student Absences for Religious Observance now includes a link to an eForm students must use to make their absence request.

• The policy statement is available on the College website at https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/catalog-academic-policies/religious-observance-policy.
• The policy statement includes the link to the eForm: https://web3.cincinnatistate.edu/eforms/eform.aspx?preview=true&form_id=2122.
• Starting with Summer Semester, each course syllabus must include a statement about the Absence for Religious Observance policy. Academic division deans have distributed a recommended syllabus statement to faculty members.

The policy states that students are allowed three excused absences each semester for religious observance, within certain parameters.

• Students must submit the eForm within 14 days of the first class meeting day.
• Only one eForm is needed to request absences on up to three different days. Also, the same eForm should be used to request absence from multiple classes that meet on the same day.

Cincinnati State’s existing Absence for Religious Observance policy was modified in April 2023, in consultation with the College’s Academic Policies & Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Senate, to meet requirements resulting from action by the Ohio legislature.

The new Ohio Public Policy on Student Religious Accommodations went into effect in March 2023.

The recording of Provost Robbin Hoopes’ Update and Q&A about the policy is available on the College intranet: How the College Works > Academics > Provost Updates – Recordings > 2023 > 5.2.23.