At Oxford Brookes University, we are proud of the religious diversity of our student and staff populations and try to offer as much support as possible so that you are not disadvantaged by your obligations.
The University Chaplain and Pastoral Care Lead is available to discuss your needs if you have any questions. Please email chaplain@brookes.ac.uk.
Prayer and quiet space on campus
There are spaces set aside for prayer, contemplation and quiet across all Oxford Brookes campuses. They are all open during core teaching hours, with some out-of-hours access. Please follow all signage relating to keeping the spaces clean and using them safely.
If you have comments about the spaces, how we could improve them or how you would like to see them used, please complete the feedback form.
Teaching
It is University policy for teaching staff to endeavour to accommodate absence for religious reasons for holy days, feasts or religious festivals, or funerals, unless there is a legitimate reason for not doing so.
Please notify your module leader or academic adviser as soon as possible if you will need to miss teaching.
Exams and assessments
The Changes to Assessment Arrangements allow students to request changes to examinations if they will be affected by religious observances. Please note, examinations are regularly scheduled on Friday evening and Saturday.
A student wishing to request a changed assessment arrangement must:
- complete and submit the Change of Exam Date form or Change of Coursework Deadline form
- submit appropriate evidence.
Details of what constitutes appropriate evidence is outlined on these pages. These forms are available on the Change your exam date page.
Adjustments for staff
It is University policy for line managers to:
endeavour to accommodate absence for religious reasons for holy days, feasts or religious festivals, or funerals, including travel abroad, unless there is a legitimate reason for not doing so
endeavour to accommodate flexible working to facilitate worship when appropriate
seek guidance from the People Directorate on making an equitable response to staff requests.
Religious events and worship
Details of prayer, worship and other religious and spiritual events can be found on the spirituality and faith pages of our website.
Brookes Union societies for students
There are several student-led societies for students of faith. More information is available on the Brookes Union website.
Multifaith Chaplaincy support
The chaplains are available to advise and support you in matters relating to your faith. The details of our chaplains can be viewed on our About us page. We also benefit from the support of Faith Community Contacts, who are not part of the Brookes team but have offered to be named contacts in the community for our staff and students.
See our Religion and Belief Policy.
