Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Below is a list of major religious holidays that may affect a student’s participation in classes. In order to foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment and in keeping with New York State law, found here, HWS has adopted the following policy regarding religious observance:

No student shall be penalized for absence from any examination, study, or work requirements because of religious obligations and practices. The Colleges accept the responsibility of making available to each student who is absent from class because of religious obligations and practices an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements missed because of such absence on any particular day or days. In effecting these provisions, the Colleges' administration and faculty agree to exercise the fullest measure of good faith and agree that no adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student who avails themselves of the Colleges' policy on religious observances. It is the student’s obligation to inform faculty of any necessary accommodation well in advance of the date on which special accommodations are needed. (HWS Faculty Handbook, July 2026)

Some of our students come from very strong religious and cultural backgrounds where no classes are held on Rosh Ha-Shanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, etc.  Here are concrete ways you can support your religiously observant students.

1. Avoid scheduling tests, major quizzes, field trips, major lectures and large campus events on major holidays.
2. Include a reminder of our campus policy in your syllabus.
3. Note the responsibilities students have in requesting accommodation.
4. Note the ways you anticipate providing accommodations.
5. Talk about the issue when you address your attendance policy at the start of the semester.
6. Encourage your students to convey to you in advance when they will miss a previously scheduled class or examination due to religious observance so that they will not be disadvantaged by their religious practice.

Nita Byrd,
Chaplain of the Colleges

Policy & Notes

The Colleges’ policy on religious observance includes the following: “The Colleges accept the responsibility of making available to each student who is absent from class because of religious obligations and practices an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study or work requirement missed.”

• Bahá’í, Jewish, and Muslim holidays begin at sunset on the evening before date listed.
• The observance dates of any holiday depend on both religious group affiliation and region. For example, Buddha’s birthday is one of the most widely celebrated of Buddhist holidays. However, no one date is accepted by all Buddhists.
• We recognize that for many Christians, the observance of days that commemorate the lives of saints is an integral part of their faith. Many of these days have not been included as part of this calendar because they are vast in number and observance differs greatly by region, denomination, and personal belief.

For more information on observances and traditions, please feel free to examine the interfaith calendar published yearly by North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ), or individual constituencies.

Fall 2026 Semester

* Begins at sundown on the first date listed and ends at nightfall on the last date.