Inclusive Scheduling and Logistics
Harvard is committed to fostering inclusive and accessible experiences for our students, faculty, staff, researchers, and visitors.
There are simple steps that members of the campus community can take to ensure that our events and programs are planned and conducted with inclusion in mind. By planning with inclusion in mind, we can help others to feel welcome and we benefit from the wide range of perspectives and sharing of ideas.
Because there are many facets to diversity, these suggestions and resources are not comprehensive. We welcome your input, resources, and suggestions for improvement by email at ccl@harvard.edu.
Religious Observances and Inclusive Scheduling
Massachusetts law states that instructional staff must provide reasonable accommodations—including an opportunity to make up examinations, study, or work requirements—for students who miss class or examinations due to religious observances.
Although it can be difficult, making every effort to limit voluntary programming to avoid religious observances can ensure that the broadest number of participants have an opportunity to participate. Religious Observances and Inclusive Scheduling
Harvard Divinity School Multifaith Calendar
Views of the full calendar, as well as the most commonly accessed religious traditions, are included below. The HDS Multifaith Calendar webpage offers more information and additional search options. HDS also provides a glossary with a brief description of each holiday as well as a link to information about the religious tradition of each holiday.
The multifaith calendar is not exhaustive and we welcome your suggestions.
Holy Days and Seasons for Some Common Traditions
Massachusetts General Law Related to Religious Observances
Mass. General Laws Chapter 151C, section 2B: Any student in an educational or vocational training institution… who is unable, because of his religious beliefs, to attend classes r to participate in any examination, study or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study or work requirement which he may have missed because of such absence on any particular day; provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon such school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of his availing himself of the provisions of this section.
About the HDS Multifaith Calendar
Inclusive Catering
When planning meals, designing menus and coordinating functions it is important to inquire if the guests have any special food restrictions or allergies to consider. The reasons why people choose special diets range from religious practices, ideological beliefs to allergies, special diets and food sensitivities.
Harvard Event Planning offers a guide on inclusive catering considerations. Harvard University Dining Services provides information on kosher dining and halal dining at Harvard College.
Event planners can take steps to making catering more inclusive by:
- Offering diverse menu options including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free dishes;
- Clearly label food items with ingredient lists and allergy information;
- Asking questions about dietary needs or restrictions in event registration forms;
- Educating staff on dietary needs and safe food handling.
Accessible Meeting and Events
Harvard University Disability Resources (UDR) works to ensure an accessible, inclusive welcoming learning and working environment for individuals with disabilities while complying with federal and state regulations.
UDR serves as a central resource on disability-related information, procedures and services for the University community and provides expertise in the development, implementation, and acquisition for best and promising disability-related University practices, procedures and resources.
Whether you are planning a large meeting for colleagues or a seminar that is open to the public, designing an event that is accessible ensures the inclusion and participation of all, including persons with disabilities. Check out UDR’s inclusive event planning guides.
Hosting Accessible Remote Meetings and Events
Harvard University Information Technology’s Digital Accessibility Services provides extensive guidance for those planning remote meetings and events.
Digital accessibility is important to ensure that all attendees, including people with disabilities, are able to participate and engage with content at the same time, with the same ease of use. With a little pre-planning, event hosts can structure an inclusive and functional environment for all participants.
Land Acknowledgements
is provided below and is available on their website where you can also find upcoming learning opportunities, resources, and news.
Harvard University is located on the traditional and ancestral land of the Massachusett, the original inhabitants of what is now known as Boston and Cambridge. We pay respect to the people of the Massachusett Tribe, past and present, and honor the land itself which remains sacred to the Massachusett People.
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
The Gender Inclusive Restroom Mapping project for Harvard University ensures that all Harvard community members, including those who are transgender, gender nonbinary, and gender nonconforming, have accurate and inclusive means of locating restrooms at Harvard.
When planning a meeting or event, you may use this resources to help guests locate appropriate restroom facilities.
Lactation Support and Spaces
Recognizing the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for working and student parents and their infants, Harvard provides more than 60 formal lactation rooms across the University. Any Harvard-affiliated nursing parent, including faculty, staff, students, and spouses/partners, can register to use a Harvard lactation room. For those without HUID cards, a smaller subset of campus lactation rooms is available.
Harvard University Human Resources provides a link to the registration form to reserve a lactation space, as well as a map to all lactation rooms.
When planning a meeting or event, you may use these resources to help community members and guests reserve and locate a lactation room.