Religious and Spiritual Observances – Fall 2025

This fall, many religious and spiritual traditions represented on our campus will observe significant holy days. All members of the Wake Forest community are encouraged to plan ahead when scheduling academic or work responsibilities during these times.

Guidance for Students
Students who will be absent from class for religious observances should confer with their instructor(s) about the date of the absence. The disposition of missed assignments will be arranged between the instructor and the student. Students are encouraged to notify faculty of their plans to observe holy days as soon as possible. The Office of the Chaplain has created this helpful email template to assist you. For more information, consult the academic bulletin.

Fall 2025 Holy Days
Many faith traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Earth-based spiritualities, observe important holy days through the end of the fall semester. Please review the Religious Holy Days Calendar for more information.

Our Jewish community will soon mark the High Holy Days, which may require academic or work accommodations:

• Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): Begins the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 1, and ends the evening of Thursday, Oct. 2. Jewish students, faculty, and staff may be fasting during this time.
  
• Sukkot (Festival of Booths): Begins the evening of Monday, Oct. 6, and continues through the evening of Monday, Oct. 13, with special observances on the first two evenings.

Wake Forest celebrates the rich diversity of religious and spiritual traditions on our campus and extends best wishes to all who will be observing holy days in the weeks to come.

For questions or support, please contact the Office of the Chaplain.