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Guide provides resource for religious diversity University supervisors now have a source to help them consider the needs of the various religions represented on campus. The "Resource Guide for Supervisors on Issues Related to Religion," distributed in late April to all University fiscal officers and supervisors, was developed by a five-member committee appointed by Associate Chancellor for Diversity Seymour Bryson. "The committee included members from five of the world's major religions," said Bryson. "Our affirmative action plan includes statements about accommodating the religious observances and practices of employees, but I felt we needed some guidance on meeting the standards set forth in the plan." The guide offers some basic information about each of the most common religions on campus, prayer rituals, dietary restrictions and a calendar listing the holidays various religions will observe during 2002. Marcia Phelps, the University's equal opportunity officer who chaired the committee, said the guide should help supervisors in scheduling events around major religious holidays. "The University already had policies in place in regard to accommodating religious observances of students, but there were no guidelines in place for employees," said Phelps. "There were concerns that campus events were sometimes scheduled without regard to major religious holidays and that the meals included with some events did not fit in with individual religious customs and practices." Bryson noted that developing guidelines, rather than implementing a strict policy, was the best approach in assuring that the University remains sensitive to religious issues. "Basically, the guide says, 'here's what you need to look at' when scheduling campus events," said Bryson. -- Rod Sievers May 15, 2002