This came up (indirectly) in a question from a student…
The University has policies about class absences for religious observances (see here and here).
Scheduled classes (lectures and ICEs) are mandatory for this class (CS765). However, if a student informs the course staff, we will make an alternate assignment available. Note: this applies only to religious observances. We take all claims of religious observances at face value. The University policy is that students must inform the course staff at the beginning of the semester, however, for CS765 we will accept one weeks notice.