UMB recognizes a wide range of cultural, religious, civic, and heritage observances throughout the year. This calendar is intended to support inclusive planning, awareness, and respectful engagement across our campus community.
This resource supports Theme 3: University Culture, Engagement, and Belonging of the University’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026). It is used as a reference tool for scheduling, communication, and planning, not as a comprehensive list of all observances.
How to Use This Resource
This calendar is designed to support equitable planning across students, faculty, and staff.
- Use it when scheduling exams, deadlines, meetings, and events
- Be mindful that observances may begin at sundown or span multiple days
- Offer flexibility when conflicts arise and when requested
- Use respectful, accurate language when referencing observances in programming
Where possible, consult UMB policies and relevant offices for formal accommodation processes.
Planning Guidance
Across observances, a few consistent practices apply:
- Avoid scheduling exams, high-stakes deadlines, or mandatory events on major holy days or during fasting periods
- Provide reasonable flexibility for academic and work-related deadlines
- Be mindful of fasting periods, evening observances, and travel needs
- Center accuracy and avoid assumptions about participation or meaning
Roles and Responsibilities
Students: Students are encouraged to review the calendar in advance and request accommodations early when needed, in accordance with UMB religious observance policies.
Faculty: Faculty are expected to provide reasonable academic flexibility for students observing religious or cultural holidays. This may include alternative exam dates, assignment adjustments, or participation accommodations when appropriate.
Staff: Staff should coordinate leave or flexible scheduling with their supervisor when observance conflicts arise. Where applicable, floating or annual leave may be used.