RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Here 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, the Colleges have adopted the following policy regarding religious observance:

No student shall be prevented from participating in 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 equivalent 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 himself or herself 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, March 2017)

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

Religious Holidays 2021-2022

2020-2021 Academic Year

Spring 2021 Semester
March 26	Purim
March 28 - April 4	Passover (holy days are 4/27 (evening), 4/28, 4/29, 4/2 (evening), 4/3, 4/4)
April 4	Easter (Western Christian)
April 12	Ramadan begins
May 2	Greek Orthodox Easter
May 17-18	Shavuot

2021-2022 Academic Year

Fall 2021 Semester
September 7-8	Rosh Hashanah
September 16	Yom Kippur
September 21-27	Sukkot (holy days are 9/20 (evening), 9/21, 9/22)
September 28	Shemini Atzeret (closing of Sukkot)
September 29	Simchat Torah
November 29-December 6	Hanukkah

Spring 2022 Semester
March 17	Purim
April 2	Ramadan begins
April 16-23	Passover (holy days are 4/15 (evening), 4/16, 4/17, 4/21 (evening) 4/22, 4/23)
April 17	Easter (Western Christian)
June 5-6	Shavuot

POLICY

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.”

Jewish and Muslim holidays begin the evening before.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about interpreting the policy or other concerns or corrections, please contact the Office for Spiritual Engagement at (315) 781-3671 or tufano@hws.edu.