Religious and Spiritual Observance Three-Year Calendar for 2026-27, 2027-28, 2028-29

Oregon State University (OSU) has adopted a calendar illustrating observances shared by members of the OSU community.

The calendar and the accompanying resources serve multiple purposes:

• as a resource for OSU leadership when making decisions regarding important dates, deadlines, and timelines 

• a useful tool for supervisors and teaching faculty when creating work and course schedules

• as a guide for faculty and staff in scheduling meetings, events, and functions by avoiding religious observances and minimizing conflicts with mandatory or one-time events

A pilot calendar for the 2025-26 academic year was originally drafted by a Taskforce of OSU faculty/staff, students, and community members. The three-year calendar and the resources to interpret the calendar were developed by a group of staff, faculty, advisors, volunteers, and students during several interfaith work sessions. This group was charged with evaluating what other universities provide their various communities, identifying specific religious holidays relevant to OSU community members, and gathering feedback from stakeholders.

The calendar is not exhaustive of all observances celebrated by OSU community members and is intended to be an illustrative example; faculty and supervisors are reminded that accommodations should be considered for all observances, whether or not they appear on the calendar. If you would like to see a religious observance considered for addition to this list, please contact [email protected].

We request that faculty work with all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of learning modality, as outlined in OSU’s Religious Accommodation of Students Guidance. It is incumbent on the student making the request to notify their faculty member or supervisor as soon as possible prior to the need for accommodation, although we recognize that holidays closely aligned with the start of a term may make that difficult. Students should work directly with their faculty member on these requests, and we ask that faculty provide reasonable accommodations to allow for the completion of any missed course deliverables. Faculty and staff can approve requests for religious accommodations without consultation, but must first contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access before denying a request.

Resources to Interpret the Calendar

Each listing includes the Holy Day, Tradition, Date, Type of Observance, and Major/Minor holiday distinction.

Definitions and considerations:

• Major holiday: A major holiday is central to the faith tradition’s doctrine and observation typically results in significant impact on followers’ day-to-day activities.

  • Widespread community observance may indicate “major holiday” status

  • Multi-day observance may indicate “major holiday” status

  • Extensive rituals may indicate “major holiday” status

  • “Significant impact on day-to-day activities” may include fasting, abstention from work, etc.

• Minor holiday: A minor holiday commemorates historical events and/or individuals central to the faith tradition, but are not obligatory for followers and have limited impact on adherents’ day-to-day activities.

Note that all religious holidays, regardless of major or minor status, are subject to OSU’s Religious Accommodations of Students Guidance and the denial of any accommodations must be approved through Equal Opportunity & Access (EOA).

General guidance for planning:

• Avoid scheduling required or one-time, significant events on major holidays. These include exams, requirements for degree programs, mandatory meetings, annual trainings or orientation programs. While an accommodation could be provided, such as a student or staff member being excused from the requirement, the opportunity to participate alongside peers could be a barrier to that individual experiencing belonging.

• When providing food for events, include vegetarian and/or non-pork options to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs. Consider offering explicitly halal and kosher options offered by catering vendors (such as OSU Catering), particularly during times of religious observation as indicated on the calendar.

• Consider adopting practices to avoid serving food during times of fasting for populations of the OSU community, and recognize that students who are fasting may have challenges with certain activities (such as extensive field activities).

• When holidays fall at the beginning of a quarter or academic year, it can heighten the challenges faced by students and staff requesting accommodations so retroactive options could be considered. It is best to avoid one-off or required events during major holidays especially at the start of the academic year.

Specific guidance is provided below as it relates to several major holidays that have a significant impact on those observing and/or represent a large population of the OSU community and is not already accommodated by the OSU calendar. It is common for members of the OSU community to travel for these holidays as well.

• Ramadan: Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. From dawn to sunset, many refrain from food and drink, which can affect energy and schedules. Faculty and staff should support flexibility for observance, especially around evening prayers and breaking the fast. Reconsider field activities during this time frame that span the full day. Be aware that at sunset some may want to eat as close to then as possible. The final day of the observation is Eid al Fitr which is a significant time of community celebration and conflicts should be avoided when possible.

• Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur: These holidays are known as the High Holidays, which are Judaism’s holiest, focused on reflection, atonement, and on Yom Kippur, fasting. Many Jewish students and employees refrain from work, study, and food, and spend these days in prayer. Faculty and staff should accommodate absences, reduced availability, and limited energy as part of respectful religious observance.

• Passover (Pesach): Passover is an eight‑day Jewish holiday commemorating liberation from slavery in Egypt. Observance may include special dietary restrictions, ceremonial meals (Seders), and refraining from work on the first and last days. Avoid scheduling evening commitments during this time.

• Easter: Easter is a significant Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Observance may include church services, family gatherings, and travel, particularly on Easter Sunday and surrounding days. Some Christian traditions observe Orthodox Easter, which often falls on a different date than Western (Gregorian calendar) Easter and may involve additional days of worship or time away from work. Faculty and staff should be considerate when scheduling mandatory or one‑time events during this period.

• Diwali: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major religious and cultural holiday observed by many Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. It typically spans several days and includes prayer, family gatherings, festive meals, and evening celebrations. Faculty and staff should be mindful of potential absences, evening commitments, and reduced availability, and avoid scheduling mandatory or one‑time events during this period when possible.

• Lunar New Year: Lunar New Year is a significant cultural and religious observance for many communities, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other East and Southeast Asian traditions. Celebrations may span several days and include family gatherings, travel, and evening events. Faculty and staff should be mindful of potential absences, reduced availability, and scheduling conflicts, and avoid mandatory or one‑time events during this period when possible.

• Holi: Holi is a spring festival observed primarily by Hindus, celebrating renewal, community, and the triumph of good over evil. Observance may include religious rituals, family gatherings, and daytime celebrations that can involve travel or time away from work. Faculty and staff should be mindful of potential absences and avoid scheduling mandatory or one‑time events during this period when possible.