Yom Kippur Resolution

Western Washington University, as expressed in its 2010 Strategic Plan, welcomes and embraces diversity and supports a campus atmosphere that reflects respect for and sensitivity to diversity among its students, faculty and staff.

In recognition that Yom Kippur occurs on the first day of classes, Sept. 26, 2012, the Faculty Senate approves of the following actions:

1. The university or faculty will not penalize students absent on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 (the first day of classes for fall quarter) nor drop such students from class lists because of their absence;

2. The registrar will extend the fall quarter 2012 tuition and fee payment deadlines and applicable registration deadlines by one day for fall 2012;

3. The provost and Faculty Senate president will send an announcement to faculty to urge their awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of students as discrimination on the basis of religion is prohibited by law and university policy; and

4. The university will inform all members of the Western community of the conflict in scheduling and one-time changes in policy listed under 1 and 2 above, including incoming first year students and new faculty members.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Sincerely,

Catherine Riordan
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Karen Stout
Faculty Senate President