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Religious Observance

At Ithaca College we uphold the diverse religious and spiritual traditions - each with their own set of beliefs, practices, and observances that are part of our community. 

To this end we make a reasonable effort to support students seeking an accommodation for religious observance. 

If you would like additional support or want to discuss how to communicate with faculty, staff, coaches, or supervisors, contact Hierald Osorto, Director for Religious and Spiritual Life at hosorto@ithaca.edu. 

Religious Observance Policy

Excerpt from the College's Attendance Policy: In accordance with  New York State Education Law (Section 224-a), students who miss class due to their religious beliefs shall be excused from class or examinations on that day. The faculty member is responsible for providing the student with an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement that the student may have missed. Any such work is to be completed within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the faculty member. 

A few suggestions:

  • Notify your course instructors at at the beginning of the semester with anticipated absences so that proper arrangements may be made to make up any missed work or examination. The student should consult their academic dean if an instructor is unable or unwilling to grant the request.  
  • See this sample email to request an accommodation for your classes.

Religious Observances for Spring 2021

The following are important religious holidays from a wide variety of traditions. It is not meant to be comprehensive—for that, please see the following website: http://www.interfaith-calendar.org/. We try to reflect our own student population and needs in our community. 

  • January 1: Feast Day of St. Basil (Orthodox Christian)
  • January 6: Epiphany (Christian) 
  • January 7: Feast of the Nativity (Orthodox Christian) 
  • January 13: Maghi (Sikh) 
  • January 27-28: Tu B’shevat (Judaism)* 
  • February 2: Imbloc- Lughnassad (Wiccan/ Neo Pagan) 
  • February 15:  Nirvana Day (Buddhist/ Jain) 
  • February 16: Vasant Panchami (Hindu) 
  • February 17: Ash Wednesday (Christian) 
  • February 21: Triodion (Orthodox Christian) 
  • February 25-28: Intercalary Days or Ayyám-i-Há (Bahá’í)* 
  • February 25-26: Purim (Judaism)* 
  • February 27: Maghi-Purnima (Hindu) 
  • February 28 to March 19: Nineteen-Day Fast (Bahá’í)* 
  • March 11: Maha Shivarati (Hindu) 
  • March 11: Lailat al Miraj (Islam) 
  • March 19-20: Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í)* 
  • March 20: Ostara (Pagan) 
  • March 21: Orthodox Sunday (Orthodox Christian) 
  • March 25: Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Christian/ Catholic) 
  • March 26: Khordad Sal (Zoroastrian) 
  • March 27-April 4: Passover (Judaism)* 
  • March 28: Palm Sunday (Christian) 
  • March 28-29: Holi (Hindu/Sikh)* 
  • March 28-29: Lailat al Bara’a (Islam)* 
  • March 29-31: Hola Mohalla (Sikh)* 
  • April 1: Holy Thursday (Christian) 
  • April 2: Good Friday (Christian) 
  • April 4: Easter (Christian) 
  • April 7-8: Yom HaShoah (Judaism)* 
  • April 12-May 12: Ramadan (Islam)* 
  • April 14: Vaisakhi (Sikh) 
  • April 19- May 1: Ridvan (Bahá’í)* 
  • April 21: Ram Navami (Hindu) 
  • April 25: Mahavir Jayanti (Jain) 
  • May 2: Easter/ Pascha (Orthodox Christian) 
  • May 9: Laylat al-Qadr (Islam) 
  • May 12-13 Eid al-Fitr (Islam)* 
  • May 16-18- Shavuot (Judaism)* 
  • May 22-23 Declaration of the Báb (Bahá’í)* 
  • May 29: Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh  (Bahá’í) 

*Some holidays start at sundown of the evening of the listed start date and end at sundown or nightfall of the concluding date listed.

A comprehensive list of religious observances can be found here: https://www.interfaith-calendar.org