Office of the Vice Chancellor for Access, Civil Rights & Community

Winter Solstice. Yule is the longest night and the shortest day of the year, and is the time to celebrate the return of the light. Some Wiccans consider Yule to be either the year’s beginning or the end. Yule is the solar turning of the tides, and the newborn Sun offers a fresh start and, literally, a new day. It’s a time of renewal and hope.

Kwanzaa is an annual seven-day African-American and pan-African holiday celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1. For seven days, a principle (Nguzo Saba) is reflected upon such as unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

A day of particular recognition of the role of Mary in the gospel events, celebrating her title as "Mother of God," which summarizes and affirms the conviction that Jesus is truly both God and born of a woman. Catholics celebrating Mary, Mother of God often attend Mass this day, and some employees may request scheduling accommodations in order to observe.

A celebration of the biblical event of the Magi visiting the Christ child and bearing gifts to him and his family. It is usually celebrated with a large feast.

Commemorates the visit of the Magi (or Wise Men) to the Holy Family, and bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. At the Epiphany service, chalk is often blessed and distributed for worshippers to take to their homes. The chalk is used to mark over the outside of the front door “20 + C + M + B + 20” (using the correct year).

Because the Eastern Orthodox use the Julian Calendar and the Western churches use the Gregorian Calendar, Eastern Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7 in the Gregorian (Western) calendar. Christians believe the conception and birth of Jesus is how the Son of God became a human.

Maghi commemorates the fight of the Chali Ukte against the Imperial army in 1705. The holidays is often celebrated by ritual bathing and eating traditional food.

Each year, the Cities of Champaign and Urbana come together with Champaign County, the Village of Rantoul, Parkland College and the University of Illinois to host a countywide celebration honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Community members are invited to attend the 39th Annual Unity Breakfast sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advocacy for Justice Committee and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and hosted by the Vineyard Church.

The MLK Champions recognition program will celebrate the MLK legacy by recognizing the power of community action to honor local partners, students, faculty, and staff who have dedicated their talents to enhancing a movement of justice, equity, and dignity. The evening will provide inspiration and feature local community performers.

Join Leonard C. McKinnis II, Assistant Professor of African American Religious and Black Studies for this year’s lecture. This talk considers the concept of “the rebel” as a constitutive idea in the religious thought and practice of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

At the beginning of each Bahá'í month, from sunset the day before the day listed until sunset of the day listed, Bahá'ís celebrating the First of Sultán (Sovereignty) gather for the 19-Day Feast. There is a three-part observance with devotions, community consultation, and a social portion.

Commemoration of the Guru Gobind Singh, born in 1666, who was the tenth Sikh guru.

Bodhi Day commemorates the Buddha's achievement of Nirvana, and what this means for Buddhism today. Those observing may do so through additional meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting of Buddhist texts (sutras), or performing kind acts towards other beings. Some Buddhists celebrate with a traditional meal of tea, cake, and readings.

New Year for Trees. The day is celebrated as an ecological awareness day, and trees are planted in celebration. Begins at sunset on the first day and ends at nightfall on the last day.

During this “Immersive Simulated Experience,” participants will navigate the challenges of limited resources and heightened stress. The simulation encourages individuals to perceive poverty from various perspectives and fosters discussions on the potential for personal and community-driven change.

This training will provide an overview of the documentation needed to complete the Hire from Search form. The topics will include best practices around reasons for selection and non-selection; evaluation criteria and interview questions; applicant status and disposition codes.