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UC DAVIS: OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

September 22, 2000

DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, AND
CAMPUS/UCDHS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

RE:     Respecting Religious and Cultural Diversity

UC Davis is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with an
environment that furthers their educational and career pursuits.  Each year
we write to remind all members of the UC Davis community of our commitment
to avoid, when possible, the scheduling of campuswide events, retreats, and
meetings that conflict with religious holy days.  The precise dates of
these holy days may vary from year to year, but they are usually indicated
in contemporary datebooks and calendars.  We ask you to be mindful of the
Academic Senate resolution stating that "UC Davis seeks to accommodate any
student who, in observance of a religious creed, encounters an unavoidable
conflict with a test or examination schedule...."  That resolution may be
found in the 2000-02 General Catalog on page 66.

In addition, as an educational institution, we can play a role in fostering
an awareness of, and respect for, the various spiritual and cultural
beliefs, practices, and needs of our community.

For example, office decorations that serve to advance the educational role
of our institution or honor the celebratory diversity of our coworkers and
clients are appropriate.  Each year, especially as the December holiday
season nears, many questions and concerns are raised as to what decorations
are appropriate in offices and reception areas on our campus.  While a
campus policy does not exist, the following guidelines are offered for your
consideration:  communication, communication, communication.

Departmental or office colleagues should discuss how, when, and in what
manner holiday decorations will be displayed so that the wishes of all
members of our community might be acknowledged.  To avoid
misunderstandings, department managers/supervisors may want to determine
guidelines for the amount of staff time used in decorating the office and
the process for selecting the holidays to be highlighted.  In decorating
public spaces every consideration should be given to ensure that clients,
guests, and colleagues who interact with us are not discomforted because of
our decor.

For more information or to schedule a presentation on honoring diverse
holidays, please contact the Office for Diversity, AA/EEO at 752-2071.


Larry N. Vanderhoef
Chancellor


Jeffery C. Gibeling
Chair, Academic Senate

00-115



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