Diversity of religious and cultural beliefs, like other forms of diversity, enriches our University community including the work and learning that occurs here. As such, it is important to acknowledge the diverse religious and cultural observances that occur throughout the year.
This calendar is not a comprehensive list of all religious and cultural observances, but it includes dates of particular significance to some traditions represented on our campus. Holy days may fall on different dates from year to year. Dates of holy day observances may also vary by geographic region and by cultural practices of different groups. Note that some holidays are observed beginning at sundown the day before, thus potentially restricting work and travel.
Please feel free to email diversity@appstate.edu if there are religious observances you believe should be included on this calendar. Your input will help ensure that these observances are available as additional educational tools for the enrichment of our campus and area communities.
Religious & Cultural Leave/Absences Policies
At Appalachian State University, we respect all faiths, beliefs, and cultures. The University strives to reasonably accommodate all employees and students in observing their religious and cultural holidays, beliefs, and practices by allowing time away from work or absences from classes for religious observances and providing reasonable accommodations for religious practices. Discrimination or harassment against any individual based on their religious, spiritual, or cultural beliefs is prohibited. Employees and students are encouraged to review the Appalachian State University policies related to personal and religious observances linked below:
- Office of State Human Resources Policy
- Personal Observation Policies for Faculty/Staff
- Student Attendance Policy 6.3.1.1
Access & Equity
The Office of Access & Equity: Equal Opportunity (EO) is the designated office to respond to complaints of discrimination & harassment as well as address requests for reasonable accommodations for religious practices.
Space for Prayer Meditation & Quiet Reflection
Space is available on campus for prayer, meditation and quiet reflection in the Plemmons Student Union (Rich Mountain room) and Beaver College of Health Sciences (542H).
Campus Dining (who to contact over there if there are dietary needs)
Campus Dining is proud to offer multiple options for students who wish to practice their religious beliefs in keeping with its institutional values. If you have specific questions about managing religious dietary requirements in Campus Dining, please contact our Director of Nutrition, Farrah Reidt. She is happy to facilitate a nutrition consultation either virtually or in person.