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 Academic calendar.

For graduate students

Go to UVic Calendar.
Click on "Graduate PDF Edition"
Scroll down to page 37, "Accommodation of Religious Observance."

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.

Dates of religious observances

Sept. 2022 to Aug. 2023: Religious Observances (pdf)
Sept. 2021 to Aug. 2022: Religious Observances (pdf)
Sept. 2020 to Aug. 2021: Religious Observances (pdf)
Sept. 2019 to Aug. 2020: Religious Observances Poster (pdf)

Add dates to an Electronic Calendar

Download and save the Religious Observances .ics file for Sept. 2022 to Aug. 2023
Then, go to the Systems page and follow the instructions to add these dates to your computer calendar (e.g. Outlook) Add religous observances (scroll down to technical questions) or send an email- eqhr@uvic.ca

Other information

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