Students may take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time for the observance of a religious holy day if: The student notifies the instructor of each class scheduled on the date that the student would be absent for a religious holy day no later than the 15th day after the first day of the semester (In accordance with Texas Education Code 51.911).
The notice must be in writing and must be delivered by the student either:
- Personally, to the instructor of each class, with receipt of the notification acknowledged and dated by the instructor
or
- By certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the instructor of each class
A “religious holy day” means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
A student who is excused under this section may not be penalized for the absence, but the instructor may appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment or examination within a reasonable time after the absence. Such provisions must be communicated to the student by the instructor when the student notifies the instructor of a planned absence under this section.