Ceremonial Accommodation Process

 This process is designed to create ceremonial accommodations that may include smudging with Sage, Cedar, and Sweetgrass. In the same manner which our medicines care for students, students who wish to practice smudging are responsible as good relatives to care in a reciprocal way.

Students who wish to request ceremonial accommodation in University Student Housing should reach out to Associate Dean of Students (ADOS) within Housing and Residence Life to ensure consideration of and compliance with MSU Billings housing policies and safety guidelines. The ADOS will inform the students Hall Director of formal approval of ceremonial accommodation.

Staff and Faculty from the Native American Achievement Center, as well as the student鈥檚 Hall Director can assist in facilitating the approval of ceremonial accommodation. The process will include a short conversation and answering a few questions.

 

Requesting Religious and Ceremonial Practices Accommodation in University Student Housing

Last Updated: 6.19.2026

Last Reviewed: 5.4.2026

 

Religious, Ceremonial, and Cultural Practices:

麻豆官网首页入口免费 and the office of Housing and Residence Life are committed to honoring the religious, ceremonial, and cultural practices of students, including smudging for our Indigenous students. Recognizing the importance of providing accommodations for students of all backgrounds fosters an inclusive environment where every student can feel respected, valued, and truly at home.

This process was developed in close partnership with the Department of Native American Achievement Center and the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

The following guidance is intended to provide a process for students to request accommodations in University Student Housing that supports their engagement in religious, ceremonial, or cultural practices and observances. This process is not intended to challenge or limit the practice, but rather to provide an understanding and assist in developing an approach that honors one鈥檚 deeply held beliefs and practices while also maintaining a safe living environment for all and minimizing potential negative impact on the community.

The accommodation request is intended to be a one-time process for students, regardless of the frequency with which they wish to engage in the requested practice. Students may be required to submit additional accommodation requests if the  requested practice changes or if they choose not to complete the accommodation process.

 

Requesting Accommodations:

Students who wish to engage in religious, ceremonial, or cultural activities that may conflict with the University Student Housing Community Living Standards (e.g., smudging, burning incense or candles) must work with the Associate Dean of Students to request accommodation to the University Student Housing Community Standards based on religious or cultural beliefs. The ADOS will consult with students regarding any requested accommodation and may request that the student meet with Hall  Director to facilitate the accommodation request when appropriate.

Process:

Students desiring to request a religious accommodation must comply with the following process:

  1. The student reaches out to Associate Dean of Students Office requesting an accommodation or by submitting the request through the Housing and Residence Life . The student can engage directly with ADOS without meeting with their Hall Director. 
  1. During the review, the ADOS will meet with the student (in-person or on the phone) to better understand the request and any concerns or relevant considerations. The ADOS may consult with University Student Housing personnel and other University officials or departments regarding the request, when necessary and appropriate.
  1. The ADOS shall issue a decision in writing documenting the approved accommodation, or the rationale for any decision denying the request. ADOS shall provide a copy of the documentation to the Hall Director and operations manager of Housing and Residence Life to update their Star Rez profile with approved accommodation. The student must comply with any limitations or restrictions outlined in the accommodation letter (e.g., use of appropriate disposal receptacles). Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the accommodation being revoked.

     4. If burning candles, incense, smudging, or other practices that create smoke, vapor, or scent are approved as an accommodation, a sign will be made available to students to place on their room/ or family housing apartment indicating the area is a            permanent religious, ceremonial, or cultural practice location.

 

Religious, Ceremonial, & Cultural Practices Accommodation in University Student Housing Guidelines

 Reminders:

Fire Safety: All individuals participating in smudging or other ceremonies are responsible for complying with the following expectations:

  • Before a ceremony, locate the nearest fire alarm pull station and emergency exits
  • Do not exceed the maximum occupancy of the space
  • Use only the minimum amount of burning material necessary for the ceremony to reduce excessive smoke production.
  • Conduct the ceremony away from any smoke detectors
  • Ensure all doors remain closed during a ceremony
  • If possible, consider opening a window to create adequate airflow and ventilation
  • Locate and move any combustible materials, where possible
  • Exercise caution
  • Never leave burning material unattended
  • Dispose of ashes in a safe and appropriate manner when they are cool to the touch
  • Not following best practices may activate a fire alarm, which will require the evacuation of the building and/or pose occupational health and safety risks to the University community.

Recognizing that university housing is a smoke-free environment, this policy acknowledges and respects the rights of students to engage in religious practices, while also recognizing and respecting the rights of other students to breathe smoke-free air.

  • Neither non-practicing persons nor the building structure or furnishings should be exposed to excessive smoke.
  • Student(s) wishing to celebrate, purify, or use smoke as generated from the burning of sage, sweetgrass, and cedar must control seepage of ceremonial smoke by exercising positive steps for ventilation, such as sealing doors, opening windows, and purchasing or utilizing air purifiers, to contain all smoke in the specified area.

 

In situations where conflicts arise due to these accommodations, we aim to resolve them through open dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to our policies on equal access and civil rights. Our goal is to support all students' rights to express and practice their deeply held beliefs while fostering an environment of understanding and cooperation across our community.

 

Contact Information

Housing & Residence Life:
Phone: 406-657-2333
Location: SUB 213

OfficeHours
Mon.鈥� Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm

 

Door Tag Example:

NOTICE OF APPROVED PRACTICE

This resident has completed the University鈥檚 official approval process to engage in religious, ceremonial, or

culturalpracticeswithin their assigned residence hall room.

We kindly ask all community members and guests to respect this space and the practices taking place.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Housing & Residence Life staff member.