Religious Observances
Introduction
KU is dedicated to upholding policies, practices, and protocols concerning the religious observances of all members of the Jayhawk community. By planning ahead for the needs of your fellow Jayhawks, you can promote respect and foster a sense of belonging across the spectrum of religious experience.
When planning academic deadlines, committee meetings, events, or activities, please review the dates and recommended accommodations for upcoming religious observances. To ensure that students, staff, and faculty are able to participate in University activities, we strongly encourage you to avoid scheduling in conflict with spiritual days of significance.
Upcoming Dates
We maintain a list of religious observances that were compiled by the Impact & Belonging Team in consultation with Religious Studies. It is not an exhaustive list and we appreciate your feedback. There are a few ways you can view upcoming dates.
Campus Events Calendars
Religious observance dates can be viewed alongside other campus activities on both the Lawrence-Edwards events calendar and the Medical Center events calendar. Both campus events sites allow you to add the event to your own calendar for convenience. A preview of upcoming religious dates is provided below.
Spreadsheet of Dates
The religious holidays list is sorted in three different ways. At the bottom of the page you can choose to view dates by name, year, or religion. You can also use the Find function of your operating system to search for specific names and dates. (Control + F for Windows; Command + F for Mac)
Policies and Resources
KU students who plan to observe religious holidays should submit the Religious Accommodations Form to inform instructors of the day(s) they intend to be absent due to religious observance. Students are responsible for informing their instructors of an absence before the absence occurs with as much advance notice as possible. Doing so allows enough time for you and your professors to prepare accordingly and/or have a discussion to find a mutually agreeable resolution.
University Senate Rules & Regulations (USRR) prohibit testing and examinations from being held on mandated religious observances, and policy 1.4.3 states that "A university excused absence is an absence for which a student cannot be penalized and shall receive an accommodation for completing the missed work." This includes "all course requirements, including any final examinations, quizzes, in class work, and tests other than final examinations."
The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, Student Access Center, and/or Student Support and Case Management Office can support students and instructors through the process, as needed.
KU staff and faculty who wish to observe religious holidays that occur during their typical days or times should work with their supervisors to find mutually acceptable solutions. They may consider the Work Schedules and Flex Time policy and other relevant University policies in their discussions.
The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX and Human Resources can support employees or supervisors through the process, as needed.
KU Medical Center students, staff, and faculty can find comprehensive details for about the KU Medical Center Religious Accommodations Policy and protocols can be found on the Impact & Belonging - KUMC Religious Accommodations webpage.
The Religious Accommodations Policy exists to provide procedures for individuals to request accommodations when their sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances interfere or conflict with employment or academic policies, practices or requirements.
KU students who plan to observe religious holidays should submit the Religious Accommodations Form to inform instructors of the day(s) they intend to be absent due to religious observance. Students are responsible for informing their instructors of an absence before the absence occurs with as much advance notice as possible. Doing so allows enough time for you and your professors to prepare accordingly and/or have a discussion to find a mutually agreeable resolution.
University Senate Rules & Regulations (USRR) prohibit testing and examinations from being held on mandated religious observances, and policy 1.4.3 states that "A university excused absence is an absence for which a student cannot be penalized and shall receive an accommodation for completing the missed work." This includes "all course requirements, including any final examinations, quizzes, in class work, and tests other than final examinations."
The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, Student Access Center, and/or Student Support and Case Management Office can support students and instructors through the process, as needed.
KU staff and faculty who wish to observe religious holidays that occur during their typical days or times should work with their supervisors to find mutually acceptable solutions. They may consider the Work Schedules and Flex Time policy and other relevant University policies in their discussions.
The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX and Human Resources can support employees or supervisors through the process, as needed.
KU Medical Center students, staff, and faculty can find comprehensive details for about the KU Medical Center Religious Accommodations Policy and protocols can be found on the Impact & Belonging - KUMC Religious Accommodations webpage.
The Religious Accommodations Policy exists to provide procedures for individuals to request accommodations when their sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances interfere or conflict with employment or academic policies, practices or requirements.
Upcoming Religious Dates
