WashU has updated its policy for missing classes to more fairly accommodate students who miss class, exams, or assignments, owing to religious observance.
The policy states: “Students who plan to miss class for a religious holiday must inform their instructors in writing before the end of the third week of class, or as soon as possible if the holiday occurs during the first three weeks of the semester.”
You can read the entire policy here (pdf).
Note: The text below is a sample email for Fall 2026. Please do not send it as-is. Be sure to verify which of your actual classes fall on the listed dates, and email your professors only with the dates that apply to you. Make sure to write the email in your own voice so it reflects your style and tone.
Hello Professor [Name],
Please note that I will need to miss class for religious reasons on the following work-restricted Jewish holidays:
Yom Kippur: Begins at sunset on Sunday, September 20, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026.
I am following WashU's Religious Holiday Class Absence Policy, which can be found at https://orsel.washu.edu/support/religious-spiritual-holidays/.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
(This is the only work-restricted Jewish religious holiday that falls out on a weekday during FL2026!)