DEI Calendar
Oakland University is dedicated to spreading knowledge and understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion among our campus and community members, as well as recognizing the efforts across the campus. This is a public calendar to track the collaborative efforts towards promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion events on OU's campus. If you have an event relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion that you would like to have added to this calendar, please fill out the submission form with the required information. This calendar will be available to anyone with an OU email address to view. If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected]. Thank you!
Submission form for DEI Calendar of EventsDiversity Events at OU Public Calendar
Add the "Diversity Events at OU" calendar to your Google calendars by subscribing to calendar - [email protected].
Religious Observances Calendar
This list is an effort to build awareness and a cultural understanding of important holidays and observances of the diverse groups of our campus community. This list is not comprehensive, and we may have missed an important holiday, so feedback or recommendations are welcome. If we missed anything, email [email protected] so we can review your request and make the appropriate changes.
Per the recommendation of the Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Co-DEI), please find below guidelines that advise students, faculty, and staff about religious accommodations. As a practical matter, attention should be given to how this information is going to be communicated to students.
Due to the University’s stature as a public university and the prohibition against endorsing religion these guidelines are prefaced with that recognition while acknowledging the religious tenets of students in an ever increasing diverse population.
Language (Co-DEI and Office of Inclusion website)
Although Oakland University, as a public institution, does not observe religious holidays, it will continue to make every reasonable effort to help students avoid negative academic consequences when their religious obligations conflict with academic requirements. The University is enriched by individuals of many faiths and religious observances. In affirming this diversity, it is the University’s practice to provide appropriate religious accommodations.
Below are general guidelines concerning religious accommodations:
- Students will provide reasonable advance notice to faculty of the anticipated absence. Ideally the student should provide such notice early in the semester.
- Faculty, staff, student organizations and other programming groups are strongly urged to be mindful of major religious holidays in their scheduling.
- Absence from class or exams and missed assignments does not relieve students from the responsibility of completing any part of the course work required during the period of absence.
- Students will be given the opportunity to make up work without penalty, unless it can be demonstrated that a make-up opportunity would interfere unreasonably with the delivery of the course.
- Examples of reasonable accommodations for student absences might include: rescheduling of an exam or time of clinical, altering the time of a presentation, flexibility regarding the due date of an assignment, etc…
- Should disagreements arise under any aspect of these guidelines, the parties should first contact the Department Chair or the Dean of the School or College. If disagreements are not resolved by the Department Chair or Dean final determinations will be made by the Provost’s Office.
- Faculty should keep in mind that religion is a deeply personal and private matter and should make every reasonable attempt to respect the privacy of the student when making accommodations (for example, it is not appropriate to announce to the class that a student is making up an exam because of their religious observance).
Baha'i: Is centered on the belief that there is only one god and is the source of all major religions. They also believe that the whole of humanity is equal and that the world should work collectively towards humanity's issues.
Buddhism: A belief system based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha; through these teachings practitioners try to reach a state of enlightenment. The exact methods vary depending on the branch of Buddhism being followed.
Christianity: An Abrahamic religion that is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, whose followers believe is the Son of God and messiah that will liberate the faithful.
Hinduism: Covers a broad range of traditions and is considered the world's oldest religion, but common themes thread the variety of beliefs together. Those that follow it consider Hinduism as a way of life.
Islam: An Abrahamic faith that believes in one god and that his laws and wisdom manifest in the holy book the Qur'an, and also through the teachings of the prophet Mohammed.
Jainism: Focuses on liberation of the soul through living a pacifistic and ascetic life. Its principles are non-violence, non-absolutism, and non-possessiveness.
Judaism: One of the oldest religions in the world and is the foundation of other Abrahamic faiths. Those who practice Judaism believe that their patriarchal ancestor made a covenant with god, which they honor through their belief system.
Shintoism: The Indigenous religion of Japan that is based around the devotion to spirits called Kami. Its practices include visiting shrines, festivals, and various rituals.
Sikhism: A monotheistic religion whose belief system stresses service to humanity, living honestly, unity, and equality in service to the creator. This is articulated through the sacred scripture the Guru Granth Sahib.
Wicca/Paganism: Wicca is a Pagan Witchcraft tradition brought to the public by Gerald Gardner and encompasses a diverse set of views and beliefs. Wicca draws from ancient pagan practices and centers around nature and witchcraft.
World Religion Day: An observance that promotes unity and celebrates the different religions around the world.
Naw-Ruz (New Year): The first day of the Baha'i calendar and one of the nine holy days of the Baha'i faith. Work restrictions.
Ridvan: is a twelve-day festival that commemorates the declaration hat he was manifestation of god, it is the holiest Baha'i festival. Work restrictions on the first and ninth day.
Declaration of the Bab: Commemorates the day the Bab was recognized as the messenger of god. Work restrictions.
Ascension of Baha'u'llah: celebrates the anniversary of the death of Baha'u'llah. Work restrictions.
Birth of the Bab: Anniversary of the birth of the prophet-herald who told this day of the fore coming of the founder of the Baha'i faith. Work restrictions.
Birth of Baha'u'llah: Celebrates the birth of the founder of the Baha'i faith. Work restrictions.
Mahayana New Year: A holiday where Mahayana Buddhists honor and pray to their deities and visit temples to light candles for happiness and good luck.
Magha Puja Day: A Theravada Buddhist observance celebrated on the full moon day of Magha (in the third lunar month). During this observance, followers try not to do nothing but good deeds, abstain from sin and purify the mind.
Vesakha Puja Day: Commemorates the birth, self-awakening, and death of Buddha
Asalha Puja Day: Observes the day when Gautama Buddha made his first public proclamation of the five ascetics (Theravada Buddhism)
Diwali: The "festival of lights"and signifies the victory of all that is good over all that is evil. (Public Holiday in India, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Singapore)
Feast of Nativity (Orthodox): Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, based off the Julian calendar.
Ash Wednesday: Marks the start of lent, which commemorates the 40 days Christ fasted in the desert
Good Friday: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and is the Friday before Easter.
Easter: Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Holy Friday (Orthodox): Commemorates the crucifixion of Christ, and is the Friday before Easter. Based off the Julian calendar
Pascha/Easter (Orthodox): Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Based off the Julian calendar
Pentecost: commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit
Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ
Holi: A festival, which celebrates the coming of spring and commemorates good conquering evil.
Krishna Janmashtami: celebration of annual rebirth of the Hindu god Krishna.
Navratri: A festival that lasts 9 nights and 10 days that honors the nine forms of Devi the Hindu goddess.
Dussehra: celebrates durgas victory over the demon Mahishasura, and marks the end of Navaratri.
Diwali: The "festival of lights"� and signifies the victory of all that is good over all that is evil.
All observances begin at sundown before the date listed
Halal food restrictions: no pork, alcohol, or meat not slaughtered and prepared by halal standards
Ramadan: The ninth month of the Islamic calendar and month of fasting, It commemorates Muhammad's journey through the desert and his reception of part of the Quran.
Eid al-Fitr: Marks the end of Ramadan. Work is restricted
Eid al-Adha: commemorates Abraham showing his devotion to god, by almost sacrificing his son. Work is restricted.
May need to make accommodations for food and special worship
Mahavira Jayanti: A religious festival that celebrates the birth of Mahavira the last Tirthankara.
Paryushana Parva/Dashalakshani-Parva - 8 or 10-day period usually observed in September or August, where Jain faithful recite, fast, meditate, and request forgiveness.
Kosher dietary restrictions:No pork, shellfish or mixing meat with dairy
Jewish Calendar is based on a lunisolar cycle
Pesach/Passover: Observance that commemorates the freedom and exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Work is restricted on the first, second, sixth and seventh days. Also in addition to the year round Kosher restrictions, Jewish cannot consume leavened bread.
Shavuot: Celebrates Moses descent with the Ten Commandments
Tisha B'Av - Is the day that people of Jewish ancestry commemorate the various tragedies that have befallen their people.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, which is said to be the anniversary of the creation of Adam and eve. Work is restricted on first and second day.
Yom Kippur: Literally the Day of Atonement; it is a day that the Jewish atone for their sins through prayer and fasting. Work is restricted
Sukkot: Celebrates the harvest and protection of the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness. Work is restricted on first and second day
Shemini Atzeret: Is the day that the Jewish people "tarry" and spend an additional day with god, and is also considered the 8th day of Sukkot. Work is restricted.
Simchat Torah: indicates the end of the annual cycle of reading the Torah. Work is restricted
Chanukah: Celebrates the rededication of the holy temple after the Greeks defiled it.
Gantan-Sai: Shinto New Year Festival where people visit shrines, usually at midnight, as well visit as family and friends and pray for inner renewal prosperity and health. The New Year lasts for seven days.
Obon: Festival that honors the spirits of past ancestors, which includes visiting ancestors graves and celebration
Maghi: Commemorates the forty Sikhs who gave their lives defending Guru Gobind Singh from the imperial army
Hola Mohalla: On this day Sikhs demonstrate martial skill through mock battles.
Vaisakhi: A New Year festival that represents the spring equinox and also commemorates the birth of Sikhism and its new year.
Bandi Chhor Divas: Celebrates Guru Hargobind's release from prison.
Imbolc: Festival that marks the beginning of spring
Ostara: Celebrates the renewal of life during the spring. Pagans attribute the change in season to the increase of power of their God and Goddess.
Beltane: Traditionally a Gallic mayday festival that marks the beginning of summer
Litha: Honors the longest day of the year.
Lughnasadh: Festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season
Mabon: or autumn equinox celebrates the change in seasons into the winter month and the harvest, and also is a thanksgiving.
Samhain: Marks the end of the autumn season and the beginning of the winter solstice.
Yule: midwinter festival that celebrates the rebirth of the sun.
**Gantan-Sai - Shinto - Jan 1st
**Feast of Nativity - Orthodox Christian - Jan 7th
Maghi - Sikhism - Jan 13th
Makar Sankranti (Pongal) - Hindu - Jan 15th
Mahayana New Year - Mahayana Buddhist - Jan 30th-31st
**Work Restricted Holidays
Imbolc - Wicca/Paganism - Feb 2nd
Lughnasadh - Wicca/Paganism - Feb 2nd
**Chinese New Year - Buddhist - Feb 10th
Ash Wednesday - Christian - Feb 14th
**Magha Puja Day- Feb 24th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Ostara - Wicca/Paganism - Mar 19th
Naw Ruz - Baha'i - Mar 21st
Holi - Hindu - Mar 24th-25th
**Good Friday - Christian - Mar 29th
**Easter - Chrisitian - Mar 31st
**Ramadan - Islam - Mar 10th-Apr 9th
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Eid al-Fitr - Islam - Apr 9th-10th
Vaisakhi - Sikh - Apr 14th
**Mahavir Jayanti - Jain - Apr 21st
Ridvan - Baha'i - Apr 21st
**Pesach/Passover - Jewish - Apr 22nd-30th
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Beltane - Wicca/Paganism - May 1st
**Samhain - Wicca/Paganism - May 1st
**Holy Friday - Orthodox Christian - May 3rd
**Pascha/Easter - Orthodox Christian - May 5th
**Pentecost - Christian - May 19th
**Declaration of the Bab - Baha'i - May 24th
**Ascension of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i - May 29th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Shavuot - Jewish - June 11th-13th
**Pentecost - Orthodox Christian - June 23rd-24th
Litha - Wicca/Paganism - June 24th
**Work Restricted Holidays
The Martyrdom of the Bab - Baha'i - July 9th
**Asalha Puja Day - Buddhism - July 21st
**Work Restricted Holidays
Lughnasadh - Wicca/Paganism - Aug 1st
Tish'a B'Av - Jewish - Aug 12th-13th
**Obon - Buddhist/Shinto - Aug 13th-15th
**Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu - Aug 26th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Mabon - Wicca/Paganism - Sept 21st-29th
**Rosh Hashanah - Jewish - Oct 2nd-4th
Navratri - Hindu - Oct 3rd-12th
**Yom Kippur - Jewish - Oct 11th-12th
Sukkot - Jewish - Oct 16th-23rd
Shemini Atzeret - Jewish - Oct 23rd-25th
Simchat Torah - Jewish - Oct 24th-25th
Birth of the Bab - Baha'i - Oct 26th
Birth of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i - Oct 27th
**Diwali - Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist - Oct 31st
**Work Restricted Holidays
Samhain - Wicca/Paganism - Nov 1st
Yule - Wicca/Paganism - Dec 21st
**Christmas - Christian - Dec 25th
**Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian - Dec 25th
**Hanukkah - Jewish - Dec 25th-Jan 2nd
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Gantan-Sai - Shinto - Jan. 1
**Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian - Jan. 7
Maghi - Sikhism - Jan. 13
Makar Sankranti (Pongal) - Hindu - Jan. 14
Mahayana New Year - Mahayana Buddhist - Jan. 14
**Chinese New Year - Buddhism - Jan. 29
**Work Restricted Holidays
Imbolc - Wicca/Paganism - Feb. 2
Magha Puja Day - Buddhism - Feb. 13
**Ramadan - Islam - Feb. 28 - March 30
**Work Restricted Holidays
Ash Wednesday - Christian - March 5
Holi - Hindu - March 14
Hola Mohalla - Sikhism - March 14-16
Ostara - Wicca/Paganism - March 20 (Northern Hemisphere)
Mabon - Wicca/Paganism - March 20 (Southern Hemisphere)
**Naw Ruz - Baha'i - March 21
**Eid al-Fitr - Islam - March 31
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Mahavir Jayanti - Jain - April 10
**Pesach/Passover - Jewish - April 13-20
Vaisakhi - Sikhism - April 14
**Good Friday - Christian - April 18
**Holy Friday - Orthodox Christian - April 18
**Easter - Christian - April 20
**Easter - Orthodox Christian - April 20
**Ridvan - Baha'i - April 21 (work restrictions on 1st and 9th day)
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Beltane - Wicca/Paganism - May 1 (Northern Hemisphere)
**Samhain - Wicca/Paganism - May 1 (Southern Hemisphere)
Vesakha Puja Day - Buddhism - May 12
**Declaration of the Bab - Baha'i - May 24
**Ascension of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i - May 29
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Shavuot - Jewish - June 1-3
**Eid al-Adha - Muslim - June 6
**Pentecost - Orthodox Christian - June 8
Litha/Summer Solstice - June 24 (Northern Hemisphere)
**Work Restricted Holidays
The Martyrdom of the Bab - Baha'i - July 9
**Asalha Puja Day - Buddhism - July 10
**Obon - Buddhism/Shinto - July 13
**Work Restricted Holidays
Lughnasadh - Wicca/Paganism - Aug. 1
Imbolc - Wicca/Paganism - Aug. 1
Tisha B'Av - Jewish - Aug. 2-3
**Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu - Aug. 16
Paryushan Parv/ PasLakshan - Jainism - Aug. 20.-27.
**Work Restricted Holidays
Mabon - Wicca/Paganism - Sept. 21-29 (Northern Hemisphere)
Ostara - Wicca/Paganism - Sept. 21-29 (Southern Hemisphere)
**Rosh Hashanah - Jewish - Sept. 22-24
Navratri - Hindu - Sept. 22 - Oct. 2
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Yom Kippur - Jewish - Oct.1 and 2
Dussehra - Hindu - Oct. 2
**Sukkot - Jewish - Oct. 6-13
**Shemini Atzeret - Jewish - Oct. 13-15
Simchat Torah - Jewish - Oct. 14-15
**Diwali - Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist - Oct. 20
Bandi Chhor Divas - Sikhism - Oct. 20
**Birth of the Bab - Baha'i - Oct. 26
**Birth of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i - Oct. 27
Samhain - Wicca/Paganism - Oct. 31
Beltane - Wicca/Paganism - Oct. 31
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Hanukkah - Jewish - Dec. 4-12
Yule - Wicca/Paganism - Dec. 21 (Northern Hemisphere)
Litha - Wicca/Paganism - Dec. 21 (Southern Hemisphere)
**Christmas - Christian - Dec. 25
**Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian - Dec. 25
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Gantan-Sai - Shinto - Jan 1st
**Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian - Jan 7th
Maghi - Sikhism - Jan 13th
Makar Sankranti (Pongal) - Hindu - Jan 14th
Mahayanna New Year - Buddhism - Jan 30th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Imbolc - Wiccan/Paganism - Feb 1st
Maha Shivaratri - Hindu - Feb 15th
**Chinese New Year - Buddhism - Feb 17th
Ash Wednesday - Catholicism - Feb 18th
**Ramadan - Islam - Feb 18th- Mar 18th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Magha Puja Day - Buddhism - Mar 4th
Holi - Hindu - Mar 4th
Hola Mohalla - Sikh - Mar 4th- 6th
Ostara - Wicca/Paganism - Mar 20th (Northern Hemisphere)
Mabon - Wicca/Paganism - Mar 20th (Southern Hemisphere)
**Naw Ruz - Baha'i - Mar 21st
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Good Friday - Christian - Apr 3rd
**Easter - Christian - Apr 5th
**Holy Friday - Orthodox Christian - Apr 10th
**Orthodox Easter - Orthodox Christian - Apr 12th
**Ridvan - Baha'i - Apr 20th- May 2nd
**Pesach/Passover - Jewish - Apr 22nd- 30th
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Beltane - Wicca/Paganism - May 1st (Northern Hemisphere)
**Samhain - Wicca/Paganism - May 1st (Southern Hemisphere)
Visakha Puja Day - Buddhism - May 1st
**Shavuot - Jewish - May 21st- 23rd
** Declaration of the Bab - Baha'i - May 24th
**Ascension of Baha'u'llah - Baha'i – May 29th
**Eid al-Adha - Muslim - May 27th
**Pentecost - Orthodox Christian - May 29th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Litha/Summer Solstice - Wicca/Paganism - June 21st
The Martyrdom of the Bab - Baha'i - July 9th
**Tish'a B'Av - Jewish - July 22nd- 23rd
**Asalha Puja Day - Buddhism - July 29th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Lughnasadh - Wicca/Paganism - Aug 1st
**Obon - Buddhist/Shinto - Aug 13th- 15th
**Krishna Janmashtami - Hindu - Aug 26th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Mabon - Wicca/Paganism - Sept 23rd
**Rosh Hashanah - Jewish - Sept 11th- 13th
**Yom Kippur - Jewish - Sept 20th-21st
Sukkot - Jewish - Sept 25th- Oct 2nd
**Work Restricted Holidays
Navarati - Hindu - Oct 3-12th
Shemini Atzeret - Jewish - Oct 2nd- 4th
Simchat Torah - Jewish - Oct 3rd- 4th
Dussehra - Hindu - Oct 20th
**Samhain - Wicca/Paganism - Oct 31st (Northern Hemisphere)
**Beltane - Wicca/Paganism - Oct 31st (Southern Hemisphere)
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Diwali - Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist - Nov 8th
**Birth of the Bab - Baha'i - Nov 10th
**Birth of the Baha'u'llah - Baha'i - Nov 11th
**Work Restricted Holidays
**Hanukkah - Jewish - Dec 4th- 12th
Yule - Wicca/Paganism - Dec 21st (Northern Hemisphere)
Litha - Wicca/Paganism - Dec 21st (Southern Hemisphere)
**Christmas - Christian - Dec 25th
**Feast of the Nativity - Orthodox Christian - Dec 25th
**Work Restricted Holidays
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
312 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3496
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.