Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
We hope everyone is having an excellent start to the fall quarter. The beginning of a new academic year is an ideal time to plan courses, events, and work in a way that supports members of our diverse, multi-faith community.
As a Catholic, Vincentian institution, one way we strive to achieve belonging is by building a culture of respect, understanding, and civility surrounding all religious holidays throughout the year. To this end, we encourage community members to make accommodations to allow for appropriate observance of major religious holidays across all traditions.
Throughout the year, our community observes many important religious celebrations. This fall, for example, the Jewish High Holidays begin next week with Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 22-24), Yom Kippur (Oct. 1-2) and Sukkot (Oct. 6-13). Our Hindu community will celebrate Diwali on Oct. 20. Looking ahead, the Muslim community will observe Ramadan during the winter quarter (expected Feb. 17-March 19), followed by Eid al-Fitr (expected March 20), and later in the year, Eid al-Adha (expected May 26-27). Christian observances such as Christmas and Easter, and other traditions celebrated by members of our community, also offer significant opportunities for reflection and gathering.
To help you plan throughout the academic year, a calendar of major religious holidays and suggested accommodations is available here.
When planning a syllabus or choosing a date for an event or important meeting, please consider whether the selected dates affect observant religious populations. If a student contacts you to arrange to turn in an assignment late or reschedule an exam that falls during a religious holiday with restrictions, we ask that you provide flexibility. Managers are also encouraged to make reasonable accommodations for staff to take personal or vacation time, or even just an hour or two if needed, for religious observances.
More information about Mission and Ministry’s support for religious communities, and details about upcoming Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, and other celebrations throughout the year, is available here.
Thank you for your respect and thoughtful consideration in supporting our religious communities all year long.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Manuel
President
Salma Ghanem
Provost
Mark Laboe
Interim Vice President, Mission and Ministry
Dania Matos
Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging