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Calendar of Religious Holy Days and Observances
| Date | Holiday | Religion | Type/Recommended Accommodations |
| January | |||
| 1 | Feast of Mary, Mother of God– Celebrates Mary’s motherhood of Jesus. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 6 | Epiphany- Commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 15 | Martin Luther King Day– marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. | Federal Holiday | School is closed. Not work-restricted but all are encouraged to participate in observance activities. |
| 18 | Bodhi Day– celebration of the Enlightenment of Buddha, ca. 596 B.C.E. | Buddhist | None. Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| February | Black History Month | ||
| 10 | Chinese New Year– celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar | Public Holiday | None |
| 14 | Ash Wednesday– The first day of Lent, preparation for Easter observed through reflection on the life and death of Jesus Christ. | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. Observers may wear ashes on their foreheads. |
| 15 | Parinirvana – Festival commemorating the death of the Buddha and attainment of Parinirvana. | Buddhist | None. Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| March | Women’s History Month | ||
| 8 | Maha Shivaratri-Celebration of the birth of Lord Shiva. | Hindu | Some employees may choose to take the day off. |
| March 10-April 9 | Ramadan begins– the start of the holy Islamic festival honoring the first revelations of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed. | Islam | Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that employees/students celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days). If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal restrictions apply). |
| 15 | Shri Ramakrishna Jayanti– A celebration of the anniversary of the birth (Jayanthi), in 1836, of Ramakrishna, a Hindu mystic and yogi who was known for his message of the harmony of religions. | Hindu | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| 21 | Feast of Saint Benedict-Commemorates the death of St. Benedict of in 547 A.D. | Catholic/Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Benedictine university. |
| 23-24 | Purim– a festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people living throughout the ancient Persian Empire from persecution by Haman the Agagite. | Jewish | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply) |
| 24 | Palm Sunday– Begins Christian Holy Week, the last week of Lent and the final week before Easter. It refers to the palms that people spread on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebrate the feast day of Passover. | Christian Eastern Orthodox | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 25 | Feast of the Annunciation-A Catholic celebration of the announcement made by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, Son of God. | Christian | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 25 | Holi-Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. | Hindu | Not work-restricted. Flexibility when scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees/students may request a vacation day on this date |
| 28 | Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday)– Celebrated before Good Friday, Christians commemorate the institution of the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of priesthood. | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 29 | Good Friday– Celebrated on the Friday before Easter, Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus and related events. | Christian | School is closed. Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 31 | Easter– The central Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Christian | School is closed. Because this holiday falls on Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required. |
| April | Arab American Heritage Month | Autism Awareness Month | |
| 9 | Ramadan ends | Islam | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. (Friday afternoon) |
| 9-10 | Eid al-Fitr– Islamic festival of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan. One of two major festivals; the other being id al-Adha. | Islam | Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply) |
| 17 | Rama Navami– A festival celebrating the birth of the most supreme God in Hinduism, Lord Rama. | Hindu | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| April 22-30 | Passover begins– Eight-day celebration marking the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt; Seder ceremonies emphasize the concept of freedom. The first two days and the last two days are observed as holy days. | Jewish | Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread.) |
| May | Jewish American Heritage Month | Asian Pacific American Heritage Month | |
| 3 | Good Friday-Christian faiths based on the Julian calendar such as Eastern Orthodox remember the crucifixion of Jesus and related events. | Eastern Orthodox | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. Because this holiday falls on Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required. |
| 5-6 | Yon HaShoah-International Holocaust Remembrance Day | Jewish | Provide food accommodations as requested (kosher restrictions apply) |
| 9 | Feast of the Ascension-The fortieth day after Easter Sunday. As a holy day of obligation, Catholics commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and celebrate on the following Sunday. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship. |
| 19 | Pentecost– Held on the seventh Sunday after Easter, Christians commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirits upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. This day also marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship. |
| 23 | Vesak– The most important of the Buddhist festivals celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. | Buddhist | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| 26 | Trinity Sunday– commemorate the Christian doctrine of the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 30 | Corpus Christi Sunday– celebrates the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine of the Eucharist. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| June | LGBTQ+ Pride Month | Caribbean American Heritage Month | |
| 7 | Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus– Celebrated on the Friday following Corpus Christi Sunday, Christians honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 11-13 | Shavout– Jewish celebration of the spring harvest season and the gift of the Torah. | Jewish | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| 16-17 | Eid-ul-Adha– festival of sacrifice that commemorates the faith of Abraham; also a memorial to the dead. One of two major festivals; the other being id al-Fitr. | Islam | Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
| 24 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist– A Christian solemnity that honors the birth and death of St. John the Baptist and his example as a follower of Christ. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 26 | Somali Independence Day | Cultural Holiday | None |
| 29 | Feast of Saints Peter and Paul– A Catholic liturgical feast in honor of the martydom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. These two apostles hold significance as the leading saints of the early Church. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| July | Disability Pride Month | ||
| 10 | Bahamian Independence Day | Cultural Holiday | None |
| 16-17 | Ashura– marks the day in which the Islamic prophet Musa was saved by Allah when He parted the Sea while leading the children of Israel to the land of Israel. | Islam | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| August | |||
| 12-13 | Tisha B’Av– An annual fast day in Judaism, on which a number of disasters in Jewish history occurred, primarily the destruction of both Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple in Jerusalem. | Jewish | 25 hours fasting, work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities (optional). |
| 15 | Feast of the Assumption of Mary– celebration of Mary’s assumption into heaven at the end of her earthly life. | Christian/ Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 26 | Krishna Janmashtami– celebration of the birth of Krishna. | Hindu | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| September | Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15 | Suicide Prevention Awareness Heritage Month | |
| 15-16 | Mawlid-al-Nabi– observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad | Islam | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. Muslim employees/students may be fasting. |
| 16-21 | St. Cloud Pride Week An annual week-long celebration held in St. Cloud dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. in the St. Clous area. Events are open to all. | Cultural Holiday | Sponsored by St. Cloud Pride. |
| October | Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15 | ||
| 2-4 | Rosh Hashanah– Beginning of the Jewish Year and High Holy Days | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
| 11-12 | Yom Kippur– Day of atonement to reflect on sins and seek forgiveness from God | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting. |
| 14 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day– celebrates and honors indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. | Cultural Holiday/State Holiday | School is closed. Not work-restricted but all are encouraged to participate in educational observance activities. |
| 16-23 | Sukkot– The Feast of the Tabernacles and Harvest festival | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
| 23-25 | Shemini Atzeret– Marks the end of Sukkot | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply) |
| 24-25 | Simchat Torah Celebrates the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
| November | Native American/Alaska Native Heritage Month | ||
| 1 | All Saints Day– As a holy day of obligation, Roman Catholics honor all of the saints, both known and unknown. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 1 | Diwali– A five-day festival of lights representing the start of the Hindu New Year. Diwali celebrates the victory of the Good over the Evil and Light over Darkness. | Hindu | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 2 | All Souls Day– A day Roman Catholics pay respect and remember the souls of friends and loved ones who have died and gone to heaven | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 24 | Feast of Christ the King– A Catholic solemnity that honors Jesus Christ as lord of all creation. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 28 | Thanksgiving | Federal Holiday | School is closed. |
| December | |||
| 1 | Advent Season– a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception– celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary on 8 September. It is one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 12 | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe ( Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe)– a celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Catholic title of Mary, mother of Jesus. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 25 | Christmas-Annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. National holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required. |
| 25 | Hanukkah Begins– An eight-day festival of lights that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians. | Jewish | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
| 26- January 1 | Kwanzaa-Week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture | Cultural Holiday | Not work-restricted by definition. Schools are usually closed during this time so specific accommodations may not be necessary |
| Date | Holiday | Religion | Type/Recommended Accommodations |
| January | |||
| 1 | Feast of Mary, Mother of God– Celebrates Mary’s motherhood of Jesus. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 6 | Epiphany- Commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 15 | Martin Luther King Day– marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. | Federal Holiday | School is closed. Not work-restricted but all are encouraged to participate in observance activities. |
| 18 | Bodhi Day– celebration of the Enlightenment of Buddha, ca. 596 B.C.E. | Buddhist | None. Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| February | Black History Month | ||
| 10 | Chinese New Year– celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar | Public Holiday | None |
| 14 | Ash Wednesday– The first day of Lent, preparation for Easter observed through reflection on the life and death of Jesus Christ. | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. Observers may wear ashes on their foreheads. |
| 15 | Parinirvana – Festival commemorating the death of the Buddha and attainment of Parinirvana. | Buddhist | None. Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| March | Women’s History Month | ||
| 8 | Maha Shivaratri-Celebration of the birth of Lord Shiva. | Hindu | Some employees may choose to take the day off. |
| March 10-April 9 | Ramadan begins– the start of the holy Islamic festival honoring the first revelations of the Qur’an to the Prophet Mohammed. | Islam | Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that employees/students celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days). If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (halal restrictions apply). |
| 15 | Shri Ramakrishna Jayanti– A celebration of the anniversary of the birth (Jayanthi), in 1836, of Ramakrishna, a Hindu mystic and yogi who was known for his message of the harmony of religions. | Hindu | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| 21 | Feast of Saint Benedict-Commemorates the death of St. Benedict of in 547 A.D. | Catholic/Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Benedictine university. |
| 23-24 | Purim– a festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people living throughout the ancient Persian Empire from persecution by Haman the Agagite. | Jewish | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply) |
| 24 | Palm Sunday– Begins Christian Holy Week, the last week of Lent and the final week before Easter. It refers to the palms that people spread on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem to celebrate the feast day of Passover. | Christian Eastern Orthodox | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 25 | Feast of the Annunciation-A Catholic celebration of the announcement made by the angel Gabriel to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, Son of God. | Christian | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 25 | Holi-Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. | Hindu | Not work-restricted. Flexibility when scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Hindu employees/students may request a vacation day on this date |
| 28 | Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday)– Celebrated before Good Friday, Christians commemorate the institution of the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of priesthood. | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 29 | Good Friday– Celebrated on the Friday before Easter, Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus and related events. | Christian | School is closed. Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 31 | Easter– The central Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. | Christian | School is closed. Because this holiday falls on Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required. |
| April | Arab American Heritage Month | Autism Awareness Month | |
| 9 | Ramadan ends | Islam | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. (Friday afternoon) |
| 9-10 | Eid al-Fitr– Islamic festival of the breaking of the fast of Ramadan. One of two major festivals; the other being id al-Adha. | Islam | Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Employees will likely ask to take a vacation day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply) |
| 17 | Rama Navami– A festival celebrating the birth of the most supreme God in Hinduism, Lord Rama. | Hindu | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| April 22-30 | Passover begins– Eight-day celebration marking the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt; Seder ceremonies emphasize the concept of freedom. The first two days and the last two days are observed as holy days. | Jewish | Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread.) |
| May | Jewish American Heritage Month | Asian Pacific American Heritage Month | |
| 3 | Good Friday-Christian faiths based on the Julian calendar such as Eastern Orthodox remember the crucifixion of Jesus and related events. | Eastern Orthodox | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. Because this holiday falls on Sunday, academic accommodations may not be required. |
| 5-6 | Yon HaShoah-International Holocaust Remembrance Day | Jewish | Provide food accommodations as requested (kosher restrictions apply) |
| 9 | Feast of the Ascension-The fortieth day after Easter Sunday. As a holy day of obligation, Catholics commemorate the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and celebrate on the following Sunday. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship. |
| 19 | Pentecost– Held on the seventh Sunday after Easter, Christians commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirits upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. This day also marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship. |
| 23 | Vesak– The most important of the Buddhist festivals celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. | Buddhist | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| 26 | Trinity Sunday– commemorate the Christian doctrine of the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 30 | Corpus Christi Sunday– celebrates the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine of the Eucharist. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| June | LGBTQ+ Pride Month | Caribbean American Heritage Month | |
| 7 | Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus– Celebrated on the Friday following Corpus Christi Sunday, Christians honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 11-13 | Shavout– Jewish celebration of the spring harvest season and the gift of the Torah. | Jewish | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| 16-17 | Eid-ul-Adha– festival of sacrifice that commemorates the faith of Abraham; also a memorial to the dead. One of two major festivals; the other being id al-Fitr. | Islam | Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). |
| 24 | Nativity of St. John the Baptist– A Christian solemnity that honors the birth and death of St. John the Baptist and his example as a follower of Christ. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 26 | Somali Independence Day | Cultural Holiday | None |
| 29 | Feast of Saints Peter and Paul– A Catholic liturgical feast in honor of the martydom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. These two apostles hold significance as the leading saints of the early Church. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| July | Disability Pride Month | ||
| 10 | Bahamian Independence Day | Cultural Holiday | None |
| 16-17 | Ashura– marks the day in which the Islamic prophet Musa was saved by Allah when He parted the Sea while leading the children of Israel to the land of Israel. | Islam | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| August | |||
| 12-13 | Tisha B’Av– An annual fast day in Judaism, on which a number of disasters in Jewish history occurred, primarily the destruction of both Solomon’s Temple and the Second Temple in Jerusalem. | Jewish | 25 hours fasting, work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities (optional). |
| 15 | Feast of the Assumption of Mary– celebration of Mary’s assumption into heaven at the end of her earthly life. | Christian/ Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 26 | Krishna Janmashtami– celebration of the birth of Krishna. | Hindu | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. |
| September | Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15 | Suicide Prevention Awareness Heritage Month | |
| 15-16 | Mawlid-al-Nabi– observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad | Islam | Work restricted or limit work and/or physical or mental activity including classroom and work activities. Muslim employees/students may be fasting. |
| 16-21 | St. Cloud Pride Week An annual week-long celebration held in St. Cloud dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. in the St. Clous area. Events are open to all. | Cultural Holiday | Sponsored by St. Cloud Pride. |
| October | Hispanic Heritage Month September 15-October 15 | ||
| 2-4 | Rosh Hashanah– Beginning of the Jewish Year and High Holy Days | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
| 11-12 | Yom Kippur– Day of atonement to reflect on sins and seek forgiveness from God | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date and after a day of fasting. |
| 14 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day– celebrates and honors indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. | Cultural Holiday/State Holiday | School is closed. Not work-restricted but all are encouraged to participate in educational observance activities. |
| 16-23 | Sukkot– The Feast of the Tabernacles and Harvest festival | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
| 23-25 | Shemini Atzeret– Marks the end of Sukkot | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply) |
| 24-25 | Simchat Torah Celebrates the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle | Jewish | Work restricted. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply). |
| November | Native American/Alaska Native Heritage Month | ||
| 1 | All Saints Day– As a holy day of obligation, Roman Catholics honor all of the saints, both known and unknown. | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 1 | Diwali– A five-day festival of lights representing the start of the Hindu New Year. Diwali celebrates the victory of the Good over the Evil and Light over Darkness. | Hindu | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 2 | All Souls Day– A day Roman Catholics pay respect and remember the souls of friends and loved ones who have died and gone to heaven | Christian/Catholic | NOT work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. |
| 24 | Feast of Christ the King– A Catholic solemnity that honors Jesus Christ as lord of all creation. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 28 | Thanksgiving | Federal Holiday | School is closed. |
| December | |||
| 1 | Advent Season– a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception– celebrates the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8 December, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary on 8 September. It is one of the most important Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 12 | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe ( Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe)– a celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Catholic title of Mary, mother of Jesus. | Christian/Catholic | Not work-restricted by definition but may be particularly significant to persons attending or working at a Catholic university. |
| 25 | Christmas-Annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus | Christian | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. National holiday in the United States, so special accommodations are likely not required. |
| 25 | Hanukkah Begins– An eight-day festival of lights that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians. | Jewish | Not work-restricted by definition but may involve a special worship or observance. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary). |
| 26- January 1 | Kwanzaa-Week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture | Cultural Holiday | Not work-restricted by definition. Schools are usually closed during this time so specific accommodations may not be necessary |