UC Merced is committed to providing a working environment that is respectful of the religious beliefs of our employees. As a part of this commitment, UC Merced will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable accommodation of an employee's religious or sincerely held belief, unless such an accommodation would be unreasonable for the university.
Our Benefits team offers consultations to UC Merced employees who may need a reasonable accommodation due to their religious or sincerely head beliefs in order to perform the essential functions of their job. In collaboration with the employee and supervisor/department chair, we may act as an intermediary in the interactive process to evaluate and determine reasonable accommodations. We also provide consultation and training to supervisors and managers to ensure compliance with policy, laws and regulations related to confidentiality, accommodation for employment-related religious belief, and employment rights.
What is a Religious Accommodation?
A religious accommodation is an adjustment to a work requirement that will allow an employee to comply with their religious or sincerely held beliefs.
What are some examples of a Religious Accommodation?
A religious accommodation may include, but is not limited to, the following: permitting flexible scheduling or adjustments to work schedules; making an exception to dress and grooming rules; changing an employee’s job tasks or providing a lateral transfer; use of the work facility for a religious observance.
Do I need to request a religious accommodation to take time off for religious observances or practices?
Employees who wish to observe religious holidays or observances may use available leave options, such as vacation or compensatory time off (CTO), or leave without pay (LWOP) in accordance with university policies and established procedures.
Benefits Staff Contact Information:
Please direct inquiries and requests related to religious accommodations to benefits@ucmerced.edu and your dedicated Benefits Analyst will follow up with you.
Our Benefits staff oversee religious accommodation requests related to employment (staff and academic). Students can learn more about requirements for accommodations related to their academic status through Enrollment and submit requests through Student Accessibility Services.
Resources:
PPSM 2.210 - Absence From Work Policy
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Fact Sheet: Religious Accommodations in the Workplace
California - Workplace Discrimination Poster
Frequently Asked Questions for Employees:
How do I request a religious accommodation?
To request a religious accommodation, you should inform your supervisor/department chair or designated Benefits Analyst of your need as soon as possible. Although it is not required, it is recommended to submit your request in writing to avoid confusion. Be prepared to describe the religious practice and what specific accommodation(s) you are seeking. Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Do I have to provide proof of my religious belief or practice?
UC Merced respects your right to practice your religion or sincerely held belief. However, if the request is related to a religious practice or belief that is not commonly known, you may be asked to provide a brief explanation of the practice or belief and how it conflicts with your work. You are not required to provide detailed personal information.
What types of religious accommodation might I be able to request?
Religious accommodation may include, but is not limited to, the following: permitting flexible scheduling or adjustments to work schedules; making an exception to dress and grooming rules; changing an employee’s job tasks or providing a lateral transfer; use of the work facility for a religious observance.
How soon should I request an accommodation?
It is best to make your accommodation request as early as possible, particularly if you know that religious holidays or practices may conflict with your work schedule. Early requests give your supervisor and HR enough time to discuss potential solutions.
Can I be denied a religious accommodation?
Religious accommodations can be denied if providing them be unreasonable for the university. Before determining that a request is reasonable, the university will take into consideration factors such as cost, operational impact, and the needs of other employees. If your request is denied, you will be provided with an explanation.
Can I be retaliated against for requesting a religious accommodation?
No. UC Merced prohibits retaliation against employees who request religious accommodations. Your request should not impact your job status, performance evaluations, or treatment in the workplace.
What if my request for a religious accommodation is denied or not handled in a timely manner?
If you feel that your accommodation request has not been addressed fairly or timely, you can contact your designated Benefits Analyst for further assistance. Our Benefits staff will assist in resolving any concerns or disputes regarding religious accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Supervisors and Managers
How do I handle a religious accommodation request from an employee?
When an employee requests a religious accommodation, it’s important to engage in a conversation to understand the nature of the request. You should:
- Ask for details about the religious practice and the accommodation needed.
- Consider the impact on the employee's job and the organization.
- Discuss possible accommodations and potential solutions with a Benefits Analyst, if necessary.
What should I do if I don’t know whether a religious accommodation is feasible?
If you're unsure whether an accommodation is feasible or what accommodations might be appropriate, consult with your designated Benefits Analyst. Our Benefits staff can help assess whether the accommodation would be unreasonable, taking into consideration factors such as cost, operational impact, and the needs of other employees.
Do I have to approve all religious accommodation requests?
No, not all requests must be approved. However, you must carefully consider the request and work with the employee to explore feasible accommodations. Supervisors and managers should consult with your designated Benefits Analyst for guidance before denying a request for religious accommodation.
What if I receive multiple religious accommodation requests from employees?
If you receive multiple requests, assess each one individually and prioritize fair treatment. Consult with your designated Benefits Analyst to ensure that all requests are evaluated in accordance with policies and legal obligations.
Can an employee’s religious accommodation request affect team performance or morale?
While it’s important to evaluate whether a religious accommodation may impact the team or workplace operations, UC Merced encourages an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodating religious practices should not create unfair burdens on coworkers or hinder performance. Open communication and cooperation are key to finding solutions that work for everyone.
What should I do if I am unsure how to handle a religious accommodation request?
If you feel unsure about handling a religious accommodation request, reach out to your designated Benefits Analyst for guidance. Our Benefits staff is there to support supervisors and managers in making reasonable decisions and ensuring that the accommodation process is fair and compliant with policies and legal obligations.
Additional Campus Contacts
Student Accessibility Services
Office: (209) 228-6996
Email: access@ucmerced.edu
Link: https://access.ucmerced.edu/
Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD)
Office: (209) 413-4652
Email: ophd@ucmerced.edu
Link: https://ophd.ucmerced.edu/
Accommodation requests for public access or needs during campus sponsored events open to the public should be facilitated through the event coordinator responsible for coordinating the specific event. For Facilities information related to building or public access, please contact:
Facilities Management Services
Office: (209) 228-2986
Email: fmhelp@ucmerced.edu
Link: https://facilities.ucmerced.edu/about-us/contact
