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The diverse community of American University celebrates many different religious and cultural holidays. In dedication to the AU mission of inclusive excellence, this calendar was developed by the Kay Spiritual Life Center as an informational tool to assist in planning academic, program, and event responsibilities. This list is not meant to be exhaustive of all holidays or observances, nor active religious communities on campus. The following dates may require accommodation and are observed by a meaningful proportion of the AU community. 

For Jewish and Islamic holidays, one should consider the observance beginning at sundown on the day before the holiday.  Jewish holy days end one hour after sunset of the concluding day. Islamic holy days may vary depending on the sighting of the moon while Hindu holidays are determined by a combination of luni-solar calendar, regions, and sects.

Many religious traditions also observe specific times of fasting. Given the impact that fasting may have on a student’s ability to demonstrate their full academic potential, students may request alternative scheduling for exams and assignment during these periods. Such arrangements should be sought at the earliest opportunity in conversation with the professor, and we anticipate that a meaningful arrangement can be made.

For some of the traditions represented on campus, the cessation of regular activities and/or work is a component of the holiday; this would impact a student’s participation in class and completion of assignments on those dates. It should be noted that preference to observe a religious or cultural holiday at a specific place or time, if not a component of the observance, does not qualify for an accommodation.  

The student is responsible for notifying their professor of conflicts with course materials and a religious or cultural observance in a timely manner. The expectation is that an arrangement can be made between the professor and the student. The student is responsible for managing the lost study and work time as a result of an observance. Students should not be penalized for excused absences and are required to make-up materials missed from an accommodation.   

If you need to make a request for a religious accommodation, you can do so through our online form after first discussing with the professor.

If you have any questions about the policy or about religious observance, please contact the Office of the University Chaplain at KSLC@american.edu.

These are the obvservances that may require an accommodation: