Religious Holidays

Boston University is proud to be home to a diverse variety of religions, cultures, and traditions. On our campus, students, faculty, and staff are free to practice and observe whatever spiritual, cultural, and religious traditions and holidays they find meaningful. However, weekly religious and spiritual observances as well as traditional holy days and holidays will not always fit neatly within the official academic schedule of Boston University. Therefore, in order to accommodate the vast breadth of religious and spiritual expressions, the University Chaplains and the Dean of Marsh Chapel have compiled a document which overviews the University’s policy on Religious Observances.

The intent of the University Policy on Religious Observance is that the student need not face a conflict or choice between academic performance and religious observance. These notes were assembled by the University Chaplains, meeting with the Dean of the Chapel. Dean Hill is happy to speak directly with faculty, staff, students and others, as the need arises.

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**Please note: This calendar is not meant to be used as a comprehensive list of holidays for which students, faculty, or staff may request religious accommodations. We understand that there are many important holidays which may be celebrated by regional or cultural portions of the world’s vast religions. We also recognize that it is impossible to represent all religious and spiritual expressions and holidays in a single document, so this calendar is offered only as a jumping off point. Should you have questions or find yourself in need of assistance obtaining religious accommodations for any religious observance, please reach out to our chapel director, Heidi Freimanis-Cordts, or one of our chaplains.

Still have questions? Contact Marsh Chapel & Religious Life. 

Ramadan 2025

Support Muslim students at Boston University during Ramadan!

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, we are reaching out to ask for your support in a special initiative to ensure that all Muslim students at Boston University can observe Iftar meals together in community. During Ramadan, BU Dining Services provides Halal Iftar meals, but students without meal plans face a financial barrier to participation, with each meal costing $20.00.

To address this, the BU Muslim Chaplaincy & Religious Life have launched a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of Iftar meals for these students. We are asking for your support in making this initiative a reality and ensuring that all Muslim students, regardless of their meal plan status, can join together for Iftar during Ramadan.