The University of Pittsburgh is committed to creating a culture where every member of our community can thrive. This requires acknowledging and respecting all dimensions of identity, including supporting freedom of religious practice. A religious accommodation can include a schedule change, an adjustment to allow for religious expression, approved dress and grooming practices, or other adjustments that allow for compliance with religious beliefs.
For faculty and staff, religious accommodations involve alterations in the job and/or terms of employment to allow for the practice of individual moral and ethical beliefs. These beliefs, governing the individual’s perception of right and wrong, must be sincerely held with the conviction of traditional religious views.
Students may request a religious accommodation whenever a university requirement, schedule, or policy directly conflicts with their religious beliefs, practices, or observances. Common instances include academic conflicts such as: exams, mandatory attendance falling on major holy days, and class schedule adjustments needed for daily prayers. Outside the classroom, requests often involve dietary adjustments for campus dining, specific housing arrangements, or exemptions regarding program-specific dress codes and grooming standards.
Students may request an absence from class because of religious observance. Please review the Memo on Religious Observances and Student Well-Being during the Academic Year.
If you would like to request a religious accommodation, email civilrights@pitt.edu.