Accommodations for Religious Observances
Central Michigan University, as a public institution, does not observe religious holidays. However, it is University policy to permit students to be absent from classes or examinations for reason of observing religious holidays. Students are allowed to make up course requirements when they are unable to avoid a conflict between their academic and their religious obligations. Absence from classes or examinations caused by observing religious holidays does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. It is the obligation of students to provide faculty with written notice of the religious holiday they will be observing and the date on which they will be absent at least two weeks prior to the date of the religious holiday. Students who miss classes or are absent on days of examinations or class assignments shall be offered an opportunity to make up the work, without penalty, unless it can be demonstrated that a make-up opportunity would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course. Should disagreement arise over any aspect of this policy, the parties involved should contact the Department Chair, the Dean of the College, or the Ombudsperson. Final appeals will be resolved by the Provost.
Similarly, every reasonable effort should be made to help faculty and staff avoid negative consequences when their religious and work obligations are in conflict. Reasonable common sense, judgment and the pursuit of mutual goodwill should result in the positive resolution of scheduling conflicts. The regular appeals and grievance processes for faculty and staff should be used if a mutually satisfactory arrangement cannot be reached.
Central Michigan University reserves the right to make exceptions to, modify or eliminate this policy and or its content. This document supersedes all previous policies, procedures or guidelines relative to this subject.
Fall 2024 Religious and Cultural Observances
The following list includes some, but not all, significant religious and cultural observances that are taking place in Fall 2024. We are happy to accept feedback and review modification requests. If you would like to give feedback on the listing, please email Danny McQuarters Jr. at mcqua1dl@cmich.edu.
September
1—Ecclesiastical New Year (Christian)
7 —Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
7 — Samvatsari Parva begins (Jain)
8—Nativity of the Virgin Mary/Theotokos (Christian)
8 —National Suicide Prevention Week
8 —Paryushan Parvarambha begins (Jain)
11—Enkutatasch (Ethiopian New Year) (Rastafari, Ethiopian Orthodox)
15—Hispanic Heritage Month
15—Sundown, Mawlid an-Nabi (Islam)
21—Mabon (Imbolc) (Wiccan, Pagan) (Northern/Southern hemisphere)
22—Autumnal (fall) equinox (Northern Hemisphere)
27—Meskel (Christian)
29—Michael and All Angels (Christian)
27- Michigan Indian Day (Act 30 of 1974)
October
1—Domestic Violence Awareness Month
1- LGBTQ+ History Month
2 —Sundown, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) **
3 —Navaratri (Hindu)
3 —Sundown, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) **
4—St. Francis Day (Blessing of the Animals) (Christian)
12 —Sundown, Yom Kippur (Jewish) **
12—Daesara, Dussehra (Hindu)
14 —Indigenous Peoples’ Day
16—Sundown, Sukkot (Jewish) **
18—St. Luke, Apostle and Evangelist (Christian)
23 —Sundown, Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)**
24—Sundown, Simchat Torah (Jewish)**
31—Reformation Day (Protestant Christian)
31—All Hallows Eve (Christian)
31—Samhain (Wiccan, Pagan)
November
1— Dia De Los Muertos (Latine diaspora)
1—Native American Heritage Month
1—All Saints (Christian)
1—Diwali (Deepavali) (Hindu, Jain, Sikh) **
2—All Souls’ Day (Christian)
2 —Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) **
3—Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) **
3—Daylight Saving Time ends
15—Nativity Fast begins (Christian)
15—Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib (Sikh) **
16—Remembering the Martyrs of the UCA
20—Transgender Day of Remembrance
24—Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Sikh)
25—Sundown, Day of the Covenant (Baha’i)
24—Feast of Christ the King (Christian)
26—Sundown, Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i)
28—Thanksgiving*
30—St. Andrew’s Day (Christian)
December
1— First Sunday of Advent (Advent begins) (Christian)
3—Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Christian)
6—St. Nicholas Day (Christian)
7—Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (U.S.)
8—Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian)
8—Bohdi Day (Rohatsu) (Buddhism)
12—Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Christian) **
16—Posadas Navidenas begins (Christian)
21—Yule (Christian, Wicca, Pagan) **
21—Winter solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
25—Christmas (Christian) **
25—Feast of the Nativity (Christian)
26—Kwanzaa begins
26—Sundown, Hanukkah (Chanukah) begins (Jewish) **
26—Feast of St. Stephen (Christian)
28—Holy Innocents (Christian)
29—Feast of the Holy Family (Christian)
*Thanksgiving is a federally recognized holiday in the United States. It is acknowledged among several communities, including many Indigenous nations, as a moment that carries a complicated historical context.
** Denotes major religious or cultural significance.