Faith-Based Course Accommodations: Supporting Students with Care, Clarity, and Respect

In this episode of Faith in Conversation, Dr. Arvie Vitente is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Sartell and Dr. Huma Zia to discuss religious and faith-based course accommodations at Lewis University. Together, they explore how the accommodation process supports students with care, clarity, and respect while honoring the University’s commitment to interfaith inclusion, the Lasallian mission, and the Sanctified Zone. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning through the Interfaith Calendar, early communication between students and instructors, and the role of faculty liaisons, advisors, success coaches, the Office of Lasallian Belonging, and the Interfaith Cooperation Committee in supporting students. Elizabeth and Huma also discuss practical guidance for faculty, including how to preserve academic standards while creating reasonable and compassionate accommodations for sincere religious, cultural, or faith-based needs. This episode reminds listeners that faith-based accommodations are not only about policy or procedure. They are about creating learning environments where students can succeed academically while feeling seen, supported, and respected. Religious and Faith-based Course Accommodations Link: https://www.lewisu.edu/olb/faith-base....