The following list of Commonly Observed Dates of Religious Significance is meant as a guide to religious accommodations.
The guide has been compiled in consultation with York’s student Interfaith Council to ensure it is inclusive for York’s student body. You can also consult the Interfaith Calendar (not maintained by York).
There are many holy days associated with various faiths, and the absence of such dates on this list should not be interpreted to mean that accommodation will not be provided to students who observe those days. University event planners and faculty members are encouraged to take these days into consideration when scheduling events.
The complete policy, guidelines and procedures for Accommodation for Students' Religious Observances can be read on the York Secretariat Policies website.. You can also read more information on Statutory Dates in the academic year.
Additional information for students, faculty and staff on religious accommodation can be found on the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion website.
Senate-approved list of Commonly Observed Dates of Religious Significance: 2018-2019
| May, 2018 to June, 2019 | |
| Ramadan* | Begins at sunset May 15, 2018 and ends at nightfall on June 14, 2018. Muslims may fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and drink. Examinations scheduled in the evening may pose a special burden. |
| Eid-al-Fitr** | Begins at sunset on June 14, 2018 and ends June 17, 2018 |
| Eid-al-Adha* | Begins at sunset on August 21, 2018 and ends August 25, 2018 |
| Rosh Hashanah | Begins at sunset on September 9, 2018 and ends on September 11, 2018 |
| Yom Kippur | Begins at sunset on September 18, 2018 and ends on September 19, 2018 |
| First Two Days of Sukkot | Begins at sunset on September 23, 2018 and the second day ends at nightfall on September 25, 2018 |
| Shemini Atzeret | Begins at sunset on September 30, 2018 and ends at nightfall on October 1, 2018 |
| Simchat Torah | Begins at sunset on October 1, 2018 and ends at nightfall on October 2, 2018 |
| Diwali (Deepavali) | November 7, 2018 |
| Hanukkah | Begins at sunset on December 2, 2018 and ends at nightfall on December 10, 2018 |
| Epiphany | January 6, 2019 |
| Feast of the Nativity(Orthodox) | January 7, 2019 |
| Lunar New Year | February 5, 2019 |
| Ash Wednesday | March 6, 2019 |
| Purim | Begins at sunset on March 20, 2019 and ends at nightfall on March 21, 2019 |
| Norooz | March 21, 2019 |
| Maundy Thursday | April 18, 2019 |
| First two days of Passover | Begins at sunset on April 19, 2019 and ends at nightfall on April 21, 2019 |
| Last two days of Passover | Begins at sunset on April 25, 2019 and ends at nightfall on April 27, 2019 |
| Holy Friday (Orthodox) | April 26, 2019 |
| Easter (Orthodox) | April 28, 2019 |
| Ramadan* | Begins at sunset on May 5, 2019 and ends on June 4, 2019. Muslims may fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food and drink. Examinations scheduled in the evening may pose a special burden. |
| Eid-al-Fitr* | Begins at sunset on June 4, 2019 and ends on June 7, 2019 |
| Shavuot | Begins at sunset on June 8, 2019 and ends at nightfall on June 10, 2019 |
| National Aboriginal Day | June 21, 2019 |
| *Some observances are based on the lunar calendar, and thus may vary by one or two days. | |
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