---
title: Creating an inclusive academic environment
date: 2026-08-21T15:00:00-04:00
author: Bradley Bower
canonical_url: "https://provost.umd.edu/news/creating-an-inclusive-academic-environment"
section: News
---
# Creating an inclusive academic environment
*August 21, 2026* — by Bradley Bower
> Sent to the university leadership and faculty on August 21, 2026
Dear colleagues,
Among the University of Maryland’s shared values is that we strive to achieve the highest levels of excellence in our work and our studies through inclusive practices. We write to you today to share guidance, reminders and resources to support you in creating an academic environment where all can thrive.
Below you’ll find resources on the following topics to help you support an excellent and inclusive academic environment:
- Student absences due to religious observances
- Course accessibility
Our faculty and academic staff are central to our educational mission as a university. We hope these resources will help support your work; please also share this information with your graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants and student-facing staff. We are grateful for your active and engaged participation in this shared work.
Sincerely,
**Signature of Jennifer King Rice**
**Jennifer King Rice**
*Senior Vice President and Provost*
**Stephanie H. Chang
Interim Vice President for Belonging**
**Stephanie H. Chang**
*Interim Vice President for Belonging*
**Jeffrey K. Hollingsworth's signature**
**Jeffrey K. Hollingsworth**
*Vice President IT & CIO*
---
**Student absences due to religious observances**
Embracing the diversity of our campus is part of what makes our university great, and this includes understanding and flexibility around religious observances, which may result in student absences throughout the year.
The university’s [policy on excused absence](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ8pFORDixb78abIod8rwpSS9HRhS6f3xzX-jRbuUqHwrmklE1_S3e7aCjHU4lAsWqjy6QUKZZgU3PcEOEdOW4AC9tfjKrA2Vw "policy on excused absence") outlines guidance for students’ responsibility to inform instructors within the first two weeks of the semester of a religious observance that may conflict with class sessions or assignments. Please ensure that you communicate this essential information to students early in the course; feel free to use language from the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center’s [syllabus guidance template](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9Iz0lhWfmlEmWHh6U3d3OBYlmM9nf7a8epXStjxVKc-OOzy4Ya8mHKpQztcgTR7wuFNbVNs33DYvS6Mq6jN_a9tT3yobnOXQ "syllabus guidance template"). If questions arise, please review the [course-related policies and resources](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9TL6m2zWtOklrqRRg4d8eTqFB3cRgLxSCd3PuEsSXfN5Xv1m_8ZazNDehpX1MjwV3ln9MRL0DvF7lxqqJ-dUecgdlLg2bpVQ "course-related policies and resources") or consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) in the unit offering the course.
The Memorial Chapel’s [multifaith religious calendar](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9UHO5y6ugr0nr8_uPde8CkjWItj3duaserP5VdQY3hbUf07N_zvf39SQLFbPc8kpGCsfct4A4XtLQ1imeWCIElNVvLLx7I3A "multifaith religious calendar") can serve as a resource for you as you schedule assignments, class activities and campus events. This is not a comprehensive list of dates; additionally, some dates are not able to be precisely predicted in advance. Your good-faith efforts both to inform students of expectations and to work with them to accommodate observances will be appreciated.
**Course accessibility**
The University of Maryland is committed to providing equal access with full participation for all individuals with disabilities, as expressed through the [University of Maryland Policy on Access for Individuals with Disabilities](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9VusRSxSF9VfbN4zGoCc9ByTi1EN61W6bMEZkYQ1-7SDzVebUUYOF3N_FqZTWhBsD9URwXMcjvIUDzFEc4JTcWhrujKZA27A "University of Maryland Policy on Access for Individuals with Disabilities"). Instructors play a crucial role in ensuring equal access for students, and the following suggestions will help faculty promote an inclusive learning environment.
**Accommodations**
- Please share information with students about how to obtain accommodations through Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS). The ADS website provides an [example syllabus statement](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9WvRhZv41lJjcdh6ThFJuKN4nl54E5AKpOugE4AbrdA5Sedn2X2yZAc3jJuMqEMG0hkkUzXyd-7GXj4y3UMh9ejfnKViiS1A "example syllabus statement") for assistance.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding accommodations, and remember that students are not required to disclose their diagnoses to faculty. If a student discloses a diagnosis, this information must be treated as confidential under the protections of FERPA and must not be shared with other faculty or students.
- Talk with the student after receiving the accommodations letter, consult with [ADS](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9XFXyy1jhXXtYCgFDO6ju9epOc8EHklTWdCmCmlpTqgaumLHBv4V__kyF_i3vsIyA03KAhJa03J0CsH-5LX61FXYI-44pIig "ADS"), and take an active role in ensuring reasonable accommodations. Keep in mind that it may sometimes be hard for students to request what they need, so please be patient. Remember this is a partnership between the student, faculty, and ADS.
Additional resources and information about implementing accommodations for students with disabilities can be found on the following webpages: [Teaching Resources](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9YCi3Ab0SjnPMpjRtDOF2U1dl4SKoG-x6E22CI1UJx0jER956EXRkaxHBKgre4c2D2vD0r8o5CLH5-PZaXZTdnfPsziqOpfw "Teaching Resources"), [How to Implement Academic Accommodations](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9ZgJucG-o3KnJqesANE2ldTs3xO_uUoU8Gi2pL_EyZ9HE0gsXZF7--X--gubk_El9GcxOA9p7jVwTzLd_2AGA93MJYl1P5vw "How to Implement Academic Accommodations"), and [Shared Responsibility to Accommodate Students](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9aWSpWdbBXVp0RlgrA0GK4n5rcH_ksHb_cNqzfxDceuSjbSEp2SdBHccbYxgSzqfb0rkyqMM-segu7CaPBgpmqGPVWpMwGnw "Shared Responsibility to Accommodate Students").
**Accessibility of digital course materials**
The [University of Maryland Electronic Information, Communication and Technology Accessibility Policy](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9bJyjvTTjR0vqubtGhH2Dz6stcVQ_vE-fNhn2mC4yx8FXtKwoWTcLjG00VozQ8Qn56Ci73y4pnp-dh6Gn0wz07rlxr7z2nLQ "University of Maryland Electronic Information, Communication and Technology Accessibility Policy"), approved by the President on March 18, 2026, establishes the university’s digital accessibility requirements in alignment with [Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9kZ0qL3Q8MZQBUVsVbysF2c5yE7qcxOXzR_D57DtSwD5uqS4tmFJXYVwg71pUNj8DcCYccE6j76rd8RaTRQtdfYZOxDeSzbw "Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)").
Here are steps faculty can take to improve the digital accessibility of course content:
1. Review the [Digital Accessibility Guide for Instructors](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9lShESWUjHVIlIfQfj8yibF4xn0HYu55BkniQAeOpsoiBLwGP2lW2JwUc_WTGyWBXPLZL3141JNnA6hcPwsmTTDYrYYb-LgA "Digital Accessibility Guide for Instructors").
2. Learn about the [Six Essential Steps of Digital Accessibility](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9o8wvKIbGYLokh74Q3kMElL_7RXKYcXpZnwYz8zytjXvSb9T1eV-UMZmRJ4-q8b4NDIK58p-j4Nc8MujtC-r4sRm5n2dlaXQ "Six Essential Steps of Digital Accessibility").
3. Ensure that all materials (e.g., pages and documents) posted to ELMS-Canvas are in an accessible format.
- Use ELMS-Canvas accessibility tools to evaluate and remediate content:
1. [Ally Accessibility Tool](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9p_EwA-vAjFnfmUU2PJmb_wD2R5jsFva2H55h_W2-G-ZJLuXBifzyLFE3d2fqKKvcHfoaCmWTVb9ZurEX3yoUDbdDQly2F3A "Ally Accessibility Tool")
2. [ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Checker](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9qdLuww5Ekvr-e4BRUus8hyAfS2A7TBBOp9VPi_jpOEiSieMMSt0ITtM-J7tkDTfEHWYRcD1XcsA6ANCm0VDbDqCyDFub-nQ "ELMS-Canvas Accessibility Checker")
4. Create accessible PDF documents.
- Review the [PDF accessibility guide](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9rJwO2ZEqkqrM7DYY80qL6vmUwjESB7Dyp3ISQwCR9N9m3kaNppQ6QJHwYgaHsmhAZyGV0XmxtY1zpkowZkAbkMmNMFrpnhw "PDF accessibility guide") to learn more.
5. Ensure that media provided is [captioned](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9trUHCXX-mkY9Ipixb0jNrZuVEXPFJhcKdwJdcok6gmHx-DPtEIxymGLWsgbWFmeYJGBCfPT1GqeKQPrTqefV0syqzL4p0yw "captioned") or a transcript is available before publishing.
6. Adopt a [universal design](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9uGjsMMZvmVjiXwSsPqFnDPgE0BTgTWNcTa2eKYHu0740C1HzleTBSwhaZkcaotLXmzDWWT_USoI7r3gT7oCOLZ70B0rehlQ "universal design") framework and review [guidance on creating accessible course content](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9vW_CAVOmks_TiZqjJfJgtdwlCttcXzaMm6L46wUaoICR_U2dMGpRNu-qkm8mG8bmO6xzoJXYzYNu8zBdT5ZJ5y3UC-gbDCA "guidance on creating accessible course content").
Additional resources and training opportunities can be found on the [Digital Accessibility Hub](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ9wBSg5RSC_LefmnScT_4UyBX84mlfjhnsXzVgWaKqOLnrPMycGQ9fL1ua0v9_PFrX3Y8iLSurOGXtjFonqjGQN6W34lnKVnA "Digital Accessibility Hub").
For additional information, please consult with these offices:
- For student accommodations, contact [Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS)](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ90I3GRTVHTmk2p3hKBD41gRQT1vaIazEOGc25Zypk2A4_W9FjIQvpL_kPq61jXIalKocMk2JhJPqaAAurKuDApyNVx0O7vPw "Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS)") at [adsfrontdesk@umd.edu](mailto:adsfrontdesk@umd.edu?subject= "adsfrontdesk@umd.edu").
- For staff and faculty accommodations, contact [University Human Resources (UHR)](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ-mOiChr6n_iCUdQt4oLh-DAD3IcFLNq9F-pxLNLoagE715iGppp8mAqJFXPqFIYRDxtvcXYWDUZqbthOnTUBeed1yahNIO3Q "University Human Resources (UHR)") at [umdleave@umd.edu](mailto:umdleave@umd.edu?subject= "umdleave@umd.edu") and/or [The Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA)](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ_BFqdXFwyjmEvk3dNoxAAJEQjfS4izmtAQorsb0I764RrcBw_j8YHCqu_sbeSHRMd_iTjjqYZl_OCvrQLnzSQlIDm_yLdlLQ "The Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA)") at [faculty@umd.edu](mailto:faculty@umd.edu?subject= "faculty@umd.edu").
- For digital accessibility tools, training, and consultations, contact the [DIT Digital Accessibility team](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCQ_g7oirLKhHNYOJxWYbJsQEkrsftrbC-3O2z-AzMbUKp2o4a_DZe2YgH6fBjfPBjAU9vLFurRVjnxnD7y7x-kApZCl7ldEfCg "DIT Digital Accessibility team") at [itaccessibility@umd.edu](mailto:itaccessibility@umd.edu?subject= "itaccessibility@umd.edu").
- For other disability-related concerns, contact the [ADA Coordinator](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCRAyQZtnYoDtpXyULSQKsxohUT4l2HYL0N1mUTh8uIeWLQFdHlke_syFsenD3rwWycLcmwTak6ehw7pSLdNMyqiHW2fWlc-Meg "ADA Coordinator") at [adacoordinator@umd.edu](mailto:adacoordinator@umd.edu?subject= "adacoordinator@umd.edu").
Thank you for doing your part toward our [shared responsibility to ensure equal access](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NzV9AAsAAAAABBTkCRBEV6O4HCMA9-v_PF_2pn_9VzfrZTL_V3HzwwL7nyoqKqiosjg3nUuC-XPOKKpbUqdC2fNAv7MTIvDxMNcsjkR68LCdnjxMgw "shared responsibility to ensure equal access")!