Cultural Holidays


Currently, Northwestern University maintains a list of religious holidays on which professors are discouraged from scheduling significant assignments. However, when they do, students may request that the assignment be rescheduled or that special accommodations be made. The GLC is proposing that major ‘cultural holidays’ (e.g. Chinese New Year) be included in this policy as well.

We are suggesting this revision even for non-religious holidays, because these cultural holidays may play a significant and similar role as religious holidays in students’ lives. Currently, the Northwestern University Chaplain and an associated committee maintain the official list of religious holidays. The GLC is in contact with the University Chaplain regarding the proper way to pursue this proposal.