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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 Summer/Fall 2020

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 have tried reflect our own student population and needs in our community. 

  • Tisha B’av (Jewish) July 30
  • Waqf al Arafa – Hajj (Islam) July 30*
  • Eid al Adha (Islam) July 31*
  • Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) August 3
  • Eid al Ghadir Khumm (Islam) August 10
  • Paryushana Parva (Jain) August 16
  • Hijra – New Year (Islam) August 21
  • Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) September 18-20*
  • Mabon (Wicca/Pagan) September 22
  • Yom Kippur (Jewish) September 27-28*
  • Sukkot (Jewish) October 2-9
  • Navaratri (Hindu) October 17
  • Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) October 20
  • Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth (Sikh) October 20
  • New Year (Jain) November 14
  • Rohatsu (Bodhi Day) (Buddhist) December 8
  • Hanukkah (Jewish) December 10-18
  • Christmas (Christian) December 25
  • Zarathosht Diso (Zoroastrian) December 26

*Some holy days start at sundown of the evening before 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