Our community includes persons from many different religious and cultural backgrounds. We make American University a place of belonging for all, in part, by allowing for the observance of the holidays and significant days of the traditions represented here. For some, fasting and/or cessation of regular activities are components of these religious and cultural holidays, which may impact a community member’s ability to attend class, report to work, participate in events, or complete assignments on certain dates. As you plan for the coming academic year, please take these observances into consideration. 

You are encouraged to review the list of the religious and cultural holidays that AU community members are more likely to observe and for which they may require accommodation. Additional details for students observing religious and/or cultural holidays are provided on the Kay Spiritual Life Center website. Further information for faculty and staff is found in the Procedure for Employees Requesting Religious Accommodations. 

Students may contact the Office of the University Chaplain at kslc@american.edu with any questions, while faculty and staff should be in touch with HR employee relations at employeerelations@american.edu.

Thank you for your thoughtful care and attention to the religious and spiritual needs of our wider community.