Religious and Spiritual Days of Observance 2025/26

The following are dates of some commonly observed religious, spiritual, and/or cultural observances that members of the University of Waterloo community may consider when planning class requirements, examinations, or events. These dates of significance may require formal accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the University has a duty to accommodate religious and spiritual observances. 

For accommodation of course work expectations, students can complete the Religious Observance Self-Declaration Form in Quest, which will inform their instructors of the potential conflict for certain dates.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many days of significance celebrated across the diverse communities represented in the University of Waterloo. The absence of a date on this list does not mean that this observance does not require an accommodation if requested. Additionally, some of the dates may vary (sometimes substantially) due to diversity within communities, regional specificity, lunar calendars, time zone differences, incompatibility with the Western Gregorian calendar, etc. Deference regarding dates should be given to the individuals requesting accommodation.

This list of dates should not be used to vet the legitimacy of requests for accommodation related to religious or spiritual days of observance. Rather, it is designed to be a guide for planning purposes and may signal potential conflicts or provide dates to avoid when planning course requirements, events, or celebrations.

Please contact us at equity@uwaterloo.ca if you have any questions about this list.