Campus News
Observing the Jewish High Holy Days and other religious holidays
These religious observances, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, will occur during the fourth week of September and first week of October.
Dear Colleagues,
As students finish moving in and begin the 2025-26 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 fourth week of September and first week of October. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday, September 22 and continues through sundown on Wednesday, September 24. Yom Kippur begins the following week at sundown on Wednesday, October 1 through Thursday, October 2, 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 a number of administrative holidays that can be found online. 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,
Paul
Paul Koch
Interim Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor