7.01 Policy Regarding Religious Holidays

In accordance with Massachusetts law, any Harvard Medical School student who is unable, because of their 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 such examination, study or work requirement which they may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon Harvard Medical School.  No fees of any kind shall be charged by Harvard Medical School for making such opportunity available to the student, and no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because they avail themselves of this opportunity. (See Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151C, Section 2B.)

Students who will be absent due to religious observance may arrange to have required on-campus course sessions recorded through the Office of Medical Education. This accommodation will be made by request only, and at least two weeks’ notice is required. Recording is only available for sessions that fall on the day of the holiday being observed. Students should email both the Course Manager and Course Director to request this service.

Updated 5/13/26

Reviewed and Approved by PME Administration.