Housing

To request a religious-based housing accommodation please submit this form. RSL Director Harrison Blum will then reach out to you. The possibility of accommodating such requests depends on the nature of the request, the availability of certain housing options, and the timing of the request. Please note that in the Spring of 2024 common spaces for early morning religious practice were identified and labeled in every residence hall that features multiple occupancy rooms. As such, religious-based housing accommodations (i.e. being given a single or two-room double) for early morning religious practices will no longer be provided beginning in the Fall of 2024.

Meal Plan

To request a religious-based meal plan exemption please review information provided on the Dining Services site.

Holidays

In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Amherst College subscribes to the following statement:

Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make-up the examination, study, or work requirement missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to students because of availing themselves of the provisions of this section.

In practice this can look like professors offering reasonable excused absences for religious observance and in some instances extensions on assignments. Please be in touch with your professor to make such requests. If you have any questions, please contact RSL Director Harrison Blum.