
Respect Faith Practices
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Members of Rutgers University’s diverse community may recognize various religious holy days and culturally significant holidays. Read the frequently asked questions below to learn more about the university policy on religious observance and its impact on students and employees.
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It is University policy (University Regulation on Attendance, Book 2, 2.47B, formerly 60.14f) to excuse without penalty students who are absent because of religious observances; or participation in University-sponsored intercollegiate athletics contests, practices, associated travel, and other similar obligations; and to allow the make up of exercises or examinations missed because of such absence. Except when related to clinical assignments, examinations and special required out-of-class activities shall ordinarily not be scheduled on those days when religiously observant students refrain from participating in secular activities. Absences for reasons of religious obligation shall not be counted for purposes of reporting. To learn more, read the university policy on course attendance.
Rutgers University recognizes and respects the religious diversity of its employees. The university prohibits discrimination based on an employee’s religion or creed and will provide reasonable accommodations for employees to enable them to exercise their sincerely held religious beliefs. To learn more about accommodations for staff employees, visit the Office of Employment Equity religious accommodations page. To learn more about accommodations for faculty, visit the Office of Academic Labor Relations religious accommodations page.
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It is the policy of the University not to cancel classes on religious holidays. However, students should exercise their own judgment as to attendance in accordance with the dictates of specific school or program policies and requirements governing class attendance. To learn more, read the university policy on course attendance.
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For some traditions, the interruption of regular activities and/or work is a component of the observance; this may impact participation and completion of assignments. Many religious traditions also observe specific times of fasting, which may impact focus and energy levels.
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For Jewish and Islamic holidays, the observance may begin at sundown on the day before the holiday. Jewish holy days will end one hour after sunset of the closing day. The observance of Islamic and Hindu holy days may also vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
Some Major Religious Holy Days and Observances
The list below compiles dates to be mindful of during the 2021-2022 academic year. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all holidays or observances, nor is it an active catalog of religious communities on campus. It is a starting point to recognize and respect the array of faith traditions found within our beloved community.
*Note that Jewish and Muslim holy days begin at sundown on the first day and are indicated by an asterisk.
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Date(s)
Holiday or Observance
Religion
September 6-8, 2021* Rosh Hashanah Jewish September 15-16, 2021* Yom Kippur Jewish September 20-27, 2021 Sukkot Jewish September 27-29, 2021* Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Jewish October 7-15, 2021 Navratri Hindu October 19, 2021 Mawlid-al-Nab Islamic November 1, 2021 Feast of All Saints Christian November 1-5, 2021 Diwali Hindu/ Jain/ Sikh November 2, 2021 All Souls’ Day Christian November 28, 2021-December 6, 2021* Hanukkah Jewish December 8, 2021 Feast of the Immaculate Conception Christian December 24, 2021 Christmas Eve Christian December 25, 2021 Christmas Christian December 26, 2021 - January 1, 2022 Kwanzaa
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Date (s)
Holiday or Observance
Religion
January 6, 2022 Epiphany Christian January 7, 2022 Orthodox Christmas Christian (Orthodox) January 14-17, 2022 Pongal/Uttaryan Hindu
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Date(s)
Holiday or Observance
Religion
February 1, 2022 Lunar New Year Confucian/Daoist/ Buddhist March 1, 2022 Laylat al-Miraj Islamic March 1, 2022 Maha Shivaratri Hindu March 2, 2022 Ash Wednesday Christian March 2, 2022 Beginning of Lent Christian March 16-17, 2022* Purim Jewish March 17, 2022 Laylat al-Bara’at Islamic March 19, 2022 Holi Hindu April 1, 2022 Ugdi/Vishu/Gudi Padwa Hindu April 2, 2022-May 3, 2022 Ramadan Islamic April 10, 2022 Palm Sunday Christian April 15-23, 2022* Passover Jewish April 15, 2022 Good Friday Christian April 16, 2022 Holy Saturday Christian April 17, 2022 Easter Sunday Christian April 22, 2022 Orthodox Good Friday Christian (Orthodox) April 24, 2022 Orthodox Easter Christian (Orthodox) April 26, 2022 Laylat al-Qadr Islamic May 3, 2022 Eid al-Fitr Islamic May 26, 2022 Ascension Thursday Christian June 4-6, 2022* Shavuot Jewish June 5, 2022 Pentecost Christian
Accommodations for Religious Observances
Students are responsible for notifying their professor of conflicts with course materials and religious or cultural observance in a timely manner. The expectation is that an arrangement can be made between the professor and the student. The student is responsible for managing the lost study and work time as a result of an observance. Students should not be penalized for excused absences and are required to make up materials missed from an accommodation. Given the impact that fasting can have on a student’s ability to fulfill their academic responsibilities, some students may request alternative scheduling for exams and assignments during these periods. If you are in need of assistance, contact the Dean of Students office on your respective campus.
Staff may be able to prioritize Administrative Leave and Personal Holiday time for religious observances and personal business that fall outside of holidays observed by the university.

Intellectual Engagement and Campus Life
Check out the academic departments, centers, and councils at Rutgers that contribute to a vibrant intellectual and inclusive community where freedom of religious expression is protected and encouraged.