Campus Resources for Jewish Students
Class Absence for Religious Observance

UMass requires students be excused from classes, tests, etc. due to religious observances.
“Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his 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 he 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 such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.”
To read the complete policy, click HERE.
“Any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of his 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 he 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 such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.”
To read the complete policy, click HERE.
Religious Accomodations on Campus
To accommodate Jewish students who do not use electronic devices on the Sabbath based on their religious belief and current practice, Residential Life permits students to request a physical metal key to access the main door of their assigned residence hall. For North Apartments and suites/apartments in the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community, a second physical metal key is provided to allow access to the student’s assigned suite/apartment door.
To read more on this UMass policy, click HERE.
To read more on this UMass policy, click HERE.
Kosher Dining
In addition to the kosher meals served at Hillel on Shabbat and holidays, UMass Dining Services' kosher kitchen serves delicious kosher food six days a week in Franklin Dining Commons. The Kosher Kitchen is under the strict supervision of the Va'ad of Springfield, MA. To learn more, check out the UMass Dining FAQ page.
Students can purchase the kosher dining option onto any meal plan for $200.
For more information, contact Brandy Sullivan at UMass Dining.
Students can purchase the kosher dining option onto any meal plan for $200.
For more information, contact Brandy Sullivan at UMass Dining.
LGBTQ students
Kehilah, Hebrew for community, offers space for Jewish students who are part of the LGBTQ community to connect. We also organize educational events for folks from all backgrounds to learn about the intersections of Jewish identity and LGBTQ identity. If you'd like more information about Kehilah, follow us on Instagram.
How to Report an Incident
UMass Hillel is proud to support the University's campaign to ensure campus life is safe, inclusive and welcoming to all students. If you or someone you know has experienced bigotry, hate, sexual harassment or other such incidents, report it HERE.
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