Religious observances

The university has a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to accommodate employees and students who request time off for religious observances for which a day of observance is not provided by statute.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for a religious or spiritual observance, it is important to provide reasonable advance notice of your intended absence.

For employees: See Policy #HR6115: Statement on Employment Accommodation.
For undergraduate students: See Accommodation of Religious Observance on the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
For graduate students: See Accommodation of Religious Observance on the Graduate Academic Calendar.

Dates of religious observances

We have developed the list of religious observances below in consultation with Multifaith Services. The lists are not exhaustive of all faith groups. Please consult with Equity and Human Rights for further information.

In addition, for Muslims, prayer time on Fridays (12:30 to 1:30 p.m. PST; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Daylight Savings Time) is an important religious observance. Appropriate accommodation may be to allow a flexible lunch hour, or flexible schedule where the employee can adjust their schedule to make up the time.

Sept. 2024 to Aug. 2025: Religious Observances (pdf)
Sept. 2023 to Aug. 2024: Religious Observances (pdf)
Sept. 2022 to Aug. 2023: Religious Observances (pdf)
Sept. 2021 to Aug. 2022: Religious Observances (pdf)

Add dates to an Electronic Calendar

Download the Religious Observances .ics file for Sept. 2024 to Aug. 2025. With Microsoft Outlook, follow these steps:
- In your calendar, Click File > Open & Export > Import/Export
- Click Import an iCalendar (.ics) and then click Next
- Select the file from your downloads folder and choose Import (brings the dates into your current calendar)
For other electronic calendar instructions, go to the Systems page and follow the appropriate instructions. Add religious observances (scroll down to additional information) or send an email- eqhr@uvic.ca

Other information

Print calendar: The calendar produced by the includes these dates.
Contact Multifaith Services for information on local observances.
More information of all religious or spiritual celebrations in the
AMSSA: The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA) produces a which includes many additional religious and cultural occasions.