Religious Accommodations

2023 – 24 Religious Accommodations

Members of the Oglethorpe community observe a variety of religious holidays. The diversity of religious observances across our campus contribute significantly to the unique culture of our institution.

The list below contains many, but not necessarily all, of the religious and cultural holidays celebrated by students, staff, and faculty at Oglethorpe. Use the list below to avoid scheduling conflicts that could negatively impact members of our community and to be mindful of periods when students, staff, and faculty may need greater flexibility and support.

During observances that require fasting, cessation of regular activities, or daily prayer/service attendance, students may have trouble reaching their full academic potential and may seek alternatives for completing assignments or exams. In these cases, students should seek alternative arrangements with their instructor(s) as early as possible to establish reasonable accommodations for their observances. Faculty play an important role in supporting our students as they balance academic responsibilities and religious traditions. Clear communication around the need for accommodations contributes to the well-being of our community members and ensures that students, staff, and faculty feel valued, respected, and heard.

Questions? Please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at [email protected].

*The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar used by Muslims around the world to determine the timing of important religious observations. Dates for religious observances are determined by the movement and observation of the moon as announced by religious authorities.

*It is customary for Jewish observances to begin the holiday before sundown and to extend the holiday after sundown the following night.

DayHolidayReligion
July 27 – 28, 2023AshuraIslam
Sept. 4 – Sept. 5, 2023Abra’eenIslam
Sept. 15 – Sept. 17, 2023Rosh HashanahJudaism
Sept. 24 – Sept. 25, 2023Yom KippurJudaism
Sept. 26 – Sept. 27, 2023Mawlid al-NabiIslam
Sept. 29 – Sept. 30, 2023Sukkot, first two daysJudaism
Oct. 6, 2023End of SukkotJudaism
Oct. 6 – Oct. 8, 2023Shemini Atzeret/Simchat TorahJudaism
Nov. 12, 2023DiwaliHinduism
Dec. 7 – Dec. 15, 2023HanukahJudaism
Dec. 25, 2023ChristmasChristianity
Dec. 26, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024KwanzaaAfrican American Culture
Jan. 7, 2024Julian ChristmasOrthodox Christianity
Jan. 15, 2024Pongal/Makar SankrantiHinduism
Mar. 9, 2024Maha ShivaratriHinduism
Feb. 14, 2024Ash WednesdayChristianity
Mar. 18, 2024Great Lent BeginsOrthodox Christianity
Mar. 23 – Mar. 24, 2024PurimJudaism
Mar. 25, 2024HoliHinduism
Mar. 10 – Apr. 9, 2024RamadanIslam
Mar. 9, 2024Ugadi (Lunar New Year)Hinduism
Apr. 22 – 24, 2024First two days of PassoverJudaism
Mar. 29, 2024Good FridayChristianity
Mar. 31, 2024EasterChristianity
Apr. 29 – 30, 2024Last two days of PassoverJudaism
Apr. 13, 2024Vaisakhi/Puthandu (Solar New Year)Sikhism/Hinduism
Mar. 29, 2024Holy FridayOrthodox Christianity
May 5, 2024Orthodox EasterOrthodox Christianity
Apr. 10, 2024Eid-al-FitrIslam
June 11 – June 13, 2024ShavuotJudaism
June 16 – June 17, 2024Eid al-AdhaIslam