Preparing for Spring 2024 Final Exams

Dear CMU Faculty Members and Course Instructors:

As we navigate through the latter half of the spring semester, I am reaching out to offer a timely reminder for your consideration as you plan for final exams.

This year, Passover 2024 (Pesach) commences before sundown on Monday, April 22, 2024, and concludes after nightfall on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. During the initial two days and the final two days of Passover, observant Jewish individuals traditionally abstain from various activities including working, driving and using electricity. Consequently, this observance has implications for students taking final exams scheduled on Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30.

For instructors with final exams on these specified dates, I kindly urge your understanding and support for students who may require alternative arrangements to complete their exam(s). This may include offering a makeup exam date or allowing for extensions on final assignments and papers.

There are several other religious holidays and observances that occur during the end of the spring semester, including Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, on April 9 and 10. Therefore, I encourage all faculty members to consult the Inclusive Holiday Observations and Interfaith Calendar as a valuable resource to foster a community where all voices and views are heard and respected. 

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to creating and upholding an inclusive and accommodating academic environment at Carnegie Mellon.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer