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Observing the Jewish High Holy Days and other religious holidays

To: UC Santa Cruz Faculty

From: Lori Kletzer, Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

September 18, 2024

Dear Colleagues, 

Shortly after we welcome the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year, Jewish members of our community may observe the High Holy Days. These religious observances, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, will occur during the first two weeks of October. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 2 and continues through sundown on Friday, October 4. Yom Kippur begins the following week at sundown on Friday, October 11 through Saturday, October 12, at sundown. 

UC Santa Cruz has a rich diversity of students, staff and faculty. For many, religious practice and observances are an essential part of personal identity and mental well-being; for some, it is inseparable from cultural identity. Throughout the year, students’ religious observances may result in their missing class meetings, requesting extensions for assignments, and abiding by technology restrictions that may include virtual learning platforms. Students observing the High Holy Days may similarly need to limit or avoid the use of technology. 

It may be challenging for students observing religious holidays to determine how to navigate their responsibilities to instructors. The Dean of Students sent a message to all students reminding them that it is best practice to let their instructors know ahead of time if they are going to miss class and/or need an extension on an assignment related to their observation of religious holidays.

At the same time, we encourage instructors to be as proactive as possible in providing reasonable accommodations to help students avoid negative academic consequences when their religious practices conflict with academic requirements. Students may not be fully aware of their ability to obtain an excused absence or seek an assignment extension. To be clear, absence from classes or exams for religious reasons does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the coursework required during the period of absence. 

The University of California observes 15 administrative holidays. Members of the campus community may observe religious holidays that are not also official university holidays. If you or other staff members, including graduate student employees, need accommodations for religious observances, please consult with your department chair, college provost or supervisor. You can find a list of Religious Holidays and Observances on the CP/EVC website. 

Thank you in advance for your support of all our students. 


Sincerely,
Lori

Lori Kletzer
Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor