shavuos

[malkieh]

Shavuos falls on a Wednesday and thursday, that means I am missing two clinical days.

Pesach I am missing 3 lectures (two tests) and one clinical. B"H because i went early to the professor, he is willing to let me take the tests late. Clinical professor is understanding and said it should be fine.

But I am not sure, because in my nursing school manual it says one absence from clinic is ok but not two.

I emailed the dean...will see

[mypprincess]

True, but here in America, if you just mention religion you'll find a way out. According to my contract I'm not eligible yet for vacation and neither for unpaid leave. But They'll give me almost 2 weeks for pesach. (unpaid)

[malkieh]

B"H I just heard the clinicals are Wednesdays and Fridays for second half of semester... pain because it's friday, but means I only miss one clinical, so not so bad!

[achot]

Mar 15, 2010 19:11:55 GMT -5 mypprincess said:

True, but here in America, if you just mention religion you'll find a way out. According to my contract I'm not eligible yet for vacation and neither for unpaid leave. But They'll give me almost 2 weeks for pesach. (unpaid)

Not necessarily, but I am glad it worked out for you...
Chavie

[asp40]

Here is what I do. I am an eventing student, so when Yom Tov falls on my evening clinicals, I have worked with my Dean to attend day clinicals with a different level. Originally they wanted me to switch programs, and then they didnt want to allow me to miss, but then I presented them with my solution which they took. It is a pain, but only 1.5 semesters left. They will be glad to be rid of me and my 'issues' as they see them. As for tests, I have always been allowed to take them early in the testing center.

[medic09]

If you haven't yet done so, I suggest you prepare a calendar with all the 'problem' or 'challenging' dates. Note that these are times when an observant Jew is *forbidden* from activities such as writing, driving, etc. Request an appointment with your academic dean. Ask how they suggest you fulfill the requirements of the program while not being present on these days. Don't ask permission; simply state it as a fact that these are times we cannot be present, so how would the dean like me to make up or otherwise complete what is necessary? During the meeting, you may have to explain that Shabbat or Yom Tov aren't 'holidays off to be with the family'. They are days with clear obligations and prohibitions, and you may not violate that.

Leave them a copy of the document, and follow up with an email confirming what was agreed upon. Of course thank them profusely for all their help.

This is generally an important approach with schools and employers. They don't like surprises. Such a thing is best done before school even begins; but better late than never. Have your rav available as backup.

Be absolutely clear and firm; but of course balance that with obvious respect and even deference to the extend it doesn't compromise the halachic position.

[malkieh]

I wrote to the dean and she told me that it's nice to see a student that is so proactive.

I am slowly giving doses of what it means to be frum, B"H she seems to get it. I am less than thrilled that the clinical is on a friday, but I can always cook the night before. I always show respect and balance, etc.

[chayan]

I'm lucky that there are 10 torah-observant students in my class. I never have to confront these issues on my own.