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From: Office of the Dean of Students

Dear OSU Students,

Welcome back for an exciting and busy academic year at Oregon State University. We are writing to share a reminder regarding religious holidays that university community members may observe, and to confirm that the university is committed to providing support for students, faculty and staff whose observance of their religious beliefs may have an impact on classes, schedules and dietary needs. 

We have requested that faculty and supervisors work with all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of learning modality, as outlined in OSU’s Religious Accommodation of Students Policy. It is incumbent on the student making the request to notify their faculty member or supervisor as soon as possible prior to the need for accommodation. Students should work directly with their faculty member or supervisor on these requests according to the religious accommodation policy. Meanwhile, faculty and staff are able to approve requests for religious accommodations without consultation, but must first contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access when denying a request.

Because some holidays align closely with the start of the academic year, we recognize it may not always be possible for students to contact faculty and staff for accommodations. For this reason, we have requested that faculty work with students who miss required assignments and activities due to these religious holidays, and provide accommodations to make up any missed work deliverables or course materials within a reasonable amount of time.

Below we provide information regarding dining and food options available on the Corvallis campus and at OSU-Cascades.

If you have any questions, concerns or recommendations, please do not hesitate to directly contact the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

We wish you all a great start to fall term.

Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D., Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, [email protected]

Corvallis Campus Resources

Quiet Spaces:

Quiet spaces are offered on the third floor of the Student Experience Center (hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and in the International Living Learning Center (ILLC) Multi-Faith Room, located on the fourth floor. Foot-washing stations are located in the restrooms on the fourth floor of the ILLC. Residence Hall lounges are available to serve as quiet spaces for on-campus residents, as well. No reservations are required and these spaces are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Dining and Food Options:

Any residential student in Corvallis practicing a faith-based diet, and who needs to develop a plan that will meet dietary needs for upcoming holidays and beyond; who has suggestions about specific foods that could be added to our convenience stores and dining centers; or who needs to discuss access to space for meal preparations, etc., should visit the housing portal and fill out a dietary needs request for assistance.

Food in all UHDS dining centers is labeled for dietary preferences and allergen needs. UHDS carries many Halal-Friendly and Kosher-certified packaged goods, as well as a variety of whole foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains) at Cascadia Market in the International Living Learning Center building. For more information about all available food options, restaurants and menus, please visit the University Housing & Dining Services website: https://uhds.oregonstate.edu/menus/nutrition-info-and-special-dietary-needs

OSU-Cascades Resources

Any residential student at OSU-Cascades practicing a faith-based diet, and who needs to develop a plan that will meet dietary needs for upcoming holidays and beyond, should contact Lori Waters, director of auxiliary services, for assistance with special food needs.

Sara Holtzman, wellness coordinator, can help students living in residence who need access to meal preparation space.

To request this information in an alternative format please contact [email protected]. Thank you.

Send Date: 
Friday, September 23, 2022