TU's Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
TU is Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Campus
The Holy Days Calendar is an educational and accommodation resource for planning classroom, academic and co-curricular events.
TU accommodates students, faculty and staff who observe religious/spiritual holy days. Please check dates before scheduling critical deadlines, events or activities and accommodate observant individuals with reasonable support. Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of religious or spiritual belief.
Year round, best practices suggest that religious/spiritual accommodations are demonstrative of an inclusive workplace. Supervisors are expected to make reasonable accommodations for religious/spiritual observances. Federal law does not include special leave provisions for religious holidays or observance.
However, employers are required by federal law to reasonably accommodate an employee's request for absence to participate in religious/spiritual observance. If an employee is absent when they are scheduled to perform work to make up for a planned absence for a religious/spiritual observance, the employee must take paid leave, request leave without pay, or be charged absent without leave, if appropriate.
These are the same options that apply to any other absence from an employee's basic work schedule.
Faculty and students should work together to reach reasonable accommodations that abide by the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Faculty can inform students of the concerning the scheduling of academic assignments on dates of religious/spiritual observance and indicate that they will not be penalized because of religious/spiritual observances “and shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances.”
Faculty can reiterate university policy concerning written requests submitted two weeks in advance or at the beginning of the semester for excused absences from a class, exam, or other scheduled academic activity due to a holy day or religious/spiritual observance. Faculty can remind students to make arrangements in advance to make up any exams or class material if they are absent.
Please direct questions about this calendar to Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity at OIIE AT_TOWSON or 410-704-0203.
DATE | OBSERVANCE | RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION |
---|---|---|
Aug. 1 | Lughnasadh | Lammas (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Sept. 15 - 17 | Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Sept. 23 | Autumn Equinox | Mabon (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Sept. 24 - 25 | Yom Kippur (Jewish) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on this date or the following day due to fasting. |
Sept. 29 - Oct. 6 | Sukkot | Succot (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first two days. |
Oct. 6 - 8 | Shemini Atzeret | Simchat Torah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Oct. 15 - 24 | Navratri (Hindu) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Nov. 1 | Samhain (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide
accommodations if requested. |
Nov. 12 | Diwali | Deepavali (Hindu) | Employees participating often request this day off. Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Dec. 7 - 15 | Hanukkah | Chanukah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). |
Dec. 21 | Winter Solstice | Yule (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide
accommodations if requested. |
Dec. 25 | Christmas Day (Christian) | Accommodations are generally not required since this is a national holy day in the United States. |
Jan. 1 | Gantan-sai (Shinto) | Employees participating often request this day off. Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Jan. 17 | Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (Sikh) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Feb. 1 | Imbolc | Candlemas (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Feb. 10 | Chinese New Year (Confucian | Taoist | Buddhist) | Employees participating often request this day off. Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Feb. 14 | Ash Wednesday (Christian) | Provide food accommodations that include the use of no animal products. |
Mar. 8 | Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities due to many participants fasting. |
Mar. 10 - Apr. 9 | Ramadan | Ramazan (Islam) | Provide food accommodations (Halal dietary restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling important deadlines or activities due to students fasting during daylight hours. |
Mar. 11 | Ramakrishna (Hindu) | Generally this holy days does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Mar. 18 | Clean Monday (Eastern Orthodox) | Provide food accommodations that include the use of no animal products. |
Mar. 19 | Spring Equinox | Ostara (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide
accommodations if requested. |
Mar. 20 - 21 | Norouz | Norooz | Naw-Ruz (á’í) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Mar. 23 - 24 | Purim (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Generally this holy days does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Mar. 29 | Good Friday (Christian) | Provide food accommodations (meat is prohibited for some). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Mar. 31 | Easter (Christian) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Apr. 6 | Laylat Al Qadr (Islam) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities due to students praying late into the evening. |
Apr. 9 - 10 | Eid Al-Fitr (Islam) | Provide food accommodations (Halal dietary restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. Employees participating often request this day off. |
Apr. 13 | Vaisakhi | Baisakhi | Birthday of the Khalsa (Sikh) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Apr. 21 - May 2 | Ridvan (á’í) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first, ninth, or last day as these are held as non-working days. |
Apr. 22 - 30 | Passover | Pesach (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher and leavening restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first or last two days. |
Apr. 22 | Earth Day (Christian | Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
May 1 | Beltane | May Eve (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide
accommodations if requested. |
May 4 - 5 | Yom HaShoah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). |
May 5 | Pascha (Eastern Orthodox) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Jun. 10 | Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikh) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Jun. 11 - 13 | Shavuot (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on either day. |
Jun. 16 - 17 | Eid al Adha (Islam) | Provide food accommodations (Halal dietary restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first day. |
Jun. 20 | Summer Solstice | Lithia (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide
accommodations if requested. |
DATE | OBSERVANCE | RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION |
---|---|---|
Aug. 1 | Lughnasadh | Lammas (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Sept. 22 | Autumn Equinox | Mabon (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Oct. 2 - 4 | Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Oct. 3 - 12 | Navratri (Hindu) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Oct. 11 - 12 | Yom Kippur (Jewish) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on this date or the following day due to fasting. |
Oct. 16 - 23 | Sukkot | Succot (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first two days. |
Oct. 23 - 25 | Shemini Atzeret | Simchat Torah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Nov. 1 | Diwali | Deepavali (Hindu) | Employees participating often request this day off. Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Nov. 1 | Samhain (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Dec. 21 | Winter Solstice | Yule (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Dec. 25 - Jan. 1 | Hanukkah | Chanukah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). |
Dec. 25 | Christmas Day (Christian) | Accommodations are generally not required since this is a national holy day in the United States. |
Jan. 1 | Gantan-sai (Shinto) | Employees participating often request this day off. Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Jan. 6 | Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (Sikh) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Jan. 9 | Vaikunta Ekadasi (Hindu) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities due to many participants fasting. |
Jan. 29 | Chinese New Year (Confucian | Taoist | Buddhist) | Employees participating often request this day off. Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Feb. 1 | Imbolc | Candlemas (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Feb. 26 | Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities due to many participants fasting. |
Feb. 28 - Mar. 30 | Ramadan | Ramazan (Islam) | Provide food accommodations (Halal dietary restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling important deadlines or activities due to students fasting during daylight hours. |
Mar. 1 | Ramakrishna (Hindu) | Generally this holy days does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Mar. 3 | Clean Monday (Eastern Orthodox) | Provide food accommodations that include the use of no animal products. |
Mar. 5 | Ash Wednesday (Christian) | Provide food accommodations that include the use of no animal products. |
Mar. 13 - 14 | Purim (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Generally this holy days does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Mar. 20 | Spring Equinox | Ostara (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Mar. 21 - 22 | Norouz | Norooz | Naw-Ruz (á’í) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Mar. 27 | Laylat Al Qadr (Islam) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities due to students praying late into the evening. |
Mar. 30 - 31 | Eid Al-Fitr (Islam) | Provide food accommodations (Halal dietary restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. Employees participating often request this day off. |
Apr. 12 - 20 | Passover | Pesach (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher and leavening restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first or last two days. |
Apr. 14 | Vaisakhi | Baisakhi | Birthday of the Khalsa (Sikh) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Apr. 18 | Good Friday (Christian) | Provide food accommodations (meat is prohibited for some). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Apr. 20 | Easter (Christian) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Apr. 20 | Pascha (Eastern Orthodox) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities. |
Apr. 21 - May 2 | Ridvan (á’í) | Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first, ninth, or last day as these are held as non-working days. |
Apr. 22 | Earth Day (Christian | Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Apr. 24 - 25 | Yom HaShoah (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). |
May 1 | Beltane | May Eve (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
May 30 | Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikh) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide accommodations if requested. |
Jun. 1 - 3 | Shavuot (Jewish) | Provide food accommodations (Kosher restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on either day. |
Jun. 6 - 7 | Eid al Adha (Islam) | Provide food accommodations (Halal dietary restrictions apply). Avoid scheduling deadlines or activities on the first day. |
Jun. 20 | Summer Solstice | Lithia (Pagan | Wiccan) | Generally this holy day(s) does not have significant work restrictions, however provide
accommodations if requested. |
This Christian holy day signifies the beginning of lent. Lent is a 40 day period leading up till Easter when many Christians give up some of their common pleasures. Common traditions include wearing a cross of ashes on one's forehead and attending church service.
Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair, Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. At Mabon, day and night are in equal balance. It is a time to offer gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and also to begin to prepare for turning inward. Making dishes with apples, squash and pumpkins as part of ritual celebration is customary.
The fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. Jumping the balefire, dancing the May Pole.
This Sikh holy day commemorates the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, known as the Father of the Khalsa. Common traditions include reading religious texts, praying, singing, and eating large festive meals.
This Eastern Orthodox holy day signifies the first day of Great Lent. The name referes to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods. The entire week following this holy day is often refered to as "Clean Week" and common practices include going to confession and consumption of shellfish adn other fasting foods.
This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Families gather together
to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money
to children in red envelopes. Corresponds to the New Moon in Aquarius, which can fall
from late January to mid-February.
This Christian holy day is in honor of the birth of Jesus. His self-sacrifice is what began the Christian religion. Common traditions include giving gifts, visiting family, attending church and often times decorating a Christmas tree.
This is the "Festival of lights" and is celebrated by a number of Southern Asian religions. Some of the practicing religions include Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist. Participants celebrate the triumph of lightness over darkness and good over evil. Common traditions include the lighting of oil lamps, setting off fireworks and praying.
A celebration of nature, trees, and in specific circumstannces the world tree Yggdrasil.
This Christian holy day recognizes Jesus's resurrection from death. Common traditions include gifting others with colorful eggs and candy (often times the candy is chocolate shaped as a bunny), and gathering with family for a large meal.
This Islamic holy day signifies the last day of Ramadan and the end of the fasting period. Common traditions include exchanging gifts with one another, praying, and feasting with friends and family.
This is an Islamic festival held in remembrance of Ibrahim sacrificing his son Ishmael per Allah's commands. Common traditions include gift giving, prayer and occasionally the slaughtering of sheep with a portion being given to the less fortunate.
Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion. General Practices: Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family.
This Christian holy day commemorates the execution of Jesus and occurs the Friday before Easter annually. Common traditions include attending church service, praying, and fasting.
This Jewish holy day lasts eight days and is held in honor of the struggle Jews have had with attaining religious freedom throughout history. The holy day commemorates a historic victory when the Maccabees defeated the Syrian-Greeks. Common traditions include giving gifts, eating large meals, singing and lighting the menorah nightly.
Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four "greater Sabbats." Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories.
This Islamic holy day commemorates the Qu'ran first being revealed to Muhammed. It is traditionally celebrated on the 27th day of Ramadan. Common traditions include praying late into the evening since this is considered the holiest of nights.
A celebration of the beginning of the harvest. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. Practices include making and consuming dishes with the first fruits of the harvest.
This Hindu holy day honors Shiva, one of the Hindu deities. Common traditions include fasting, meditating, singing and worshiping all night.
This Sikh holy day commemorates Guru Arjan Dev Sahib becoming the first martyr. Common traditions include praying, singing hymns, and attending Sikhism-based lectures.
This Hindu festival is held to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Common traditions include praying, fasting and celebrating. In addition, participants will often visit their mother or other relatives.
This is the Baha'i New Year honoring spring and the new life that it has brought. Common traditions include praying, dancing, and eating large meals.
This Eastern Orthodox holy day recognizes Jesus's resurrection from death. twelve weeks of preperation precede it and is celebrated with a collection of services combined as one.
This Jewish celebration honors the emancipation of the Jewish slaves from ancient Egypt. Common traditions include Seders (ritualized meals), reading the Haggadah, family gatherings and lighting of the Yahrzeit memorial candle.
This Jewish holy day commemorates Esther saving the Jews that were living in Persia. Common traditions include reading the Book of Esther and holding celebrations similar to carnivals where many participants dress in costumes.
This Islamic holy day aims at focusing on one's faith. It celebrates the Qur'an being revealed for the first time during this month, more specifically on the night of Laylat al Qadr. Traditional customs include fasting during daylight hours, eating a meal called the iftar each night after reading the Qu'ran, refraining from any bad habits and for many attending night prayers at Mosques.
This Hindu holy day is held to honor the birth of Ramakrishna, a Hindu mystic and saint.
This Bahá'i holy day commemorates when Bahá'u'lláh proclaimed his mission as God's messenger. Common traditions include reading excerpts recounting Bahá'u'lláh's stay in the Garden of Ridván. In addition on the first day elections for the democratically elected bodies, or spiritual assemblies, that help govern the Bahá'i community occur.
This is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is celebrated as a day of both remembrance and judgement. Common traditions include having large, festive meals as well as going to the Synagogue for prayer.
One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events and other significant changes in life. Paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and other loved ones who have died.
This Jewish holy day commemorates the giving of the Torah from God to the nation of Israel on top of Mount Sinai. Common traditions include studying the Torah, leading to devotional programs, and lighting a Yahrzeit memorial candle.
Shemini Atzeret is a Jewish Holiday held the day after the Sukkot festival to remember the dead, pray for rain and be thankful for the fall harvest. Common traditions include lighting a Yahrzeit memorial candle.
Simchat Torah is a Jewish holy day that signifies the ending of the annual weekly readings of the Torah and the beginning of a new cycle of this. Common traditions include the reading of the Torah scrolls in the Synagogue while participants dance.
Also known as Eostre. Regarded as a time of fertility and conception. In some Wiccan traditions, it is marked as the time when the Goddess conceives the God's child, which will be born at the winter solstice. One of eight major annual sabbats or festivals. Lighting fires to commemorate the return of light in the spring and to honor the God and Goddess. Coloring eggs as a way of honoring fertility is also practiced.
This week long Jewish festival celebrates and gives thanks for the Fall harvest. Common traditions include decorating the Sukkah as well as creating art.
A celebration of the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. Celebration of the the Goddess manifesting as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. For some Pagans the Summer Solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and see their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. Lighting to bonfires and watching the sun rise.
This Hindu holy day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on this day the gate to heaven opens. Common traditions include fasting, worshiping, meditating and singing.
This Sikh holy day celebrates the new year and founding of Sikhism in 1699. Common traditions include dance, music, parades and the chanting of scripture.
The longest night of the year followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. Burning the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s yule tree) is an act of faith and renewal that, indeed, the light, and the warmth will return.
This day is held to remember the lives lost in the Holocaust and the many brave activists who fought against it. Common traditions include memorial ceremonies as well as reciting the Kaddish.
This Jewish holy day, which is generally considered the holiest of days for the Jews, is dedicated to reparation and abstinence. Common traditions include a day of fasting and the lighting of the Yahrzeit memorial candle.