DePaul Receives 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award

Dear Colleagues,

Last week, DePaul received the 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award from “INSIGHT into Diversity” magazine. This national honor recognizes U.S. universities and colleges that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is the first time DePaul has received this honor, and we should be very proud of this accomplishment that has joined a long list of national recognitions for diversity.

As we approach a time of year when religions around the world will observe holy days, this award reminds us that DePaul is and always has been a university that opens its doors to people of all faiths and ethnicities. Our welcoming environment is a vital part of the respectful culture we value so much at DePaul.

I kindly ask you to remember DePaul’s diverse heritage and encourage your students to do the same. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic or celebrate another faith, please help facilitate a culture of respect and understanding, not only for these upcoming holidays but for others throughout the year.

You may have students who request extensions for assignments or need to reschedule an exam due to a religious holiday at some point during the year. Employees may request a vacation day for certain holidays or an hour of vacation time at the end of the day in order to be home before sundown. Please allow some flexibility to accommodate these requests.

University Ministry has provided information about upcoming religious holidays and highlighted opportunities below for the university community to participate. If you have any questions, please contact the University Ministry staff.

Thank you for your respect and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Patricia O’Donoghue
Interim President

OUR JEWISH LIFE AT DEPAUL

DePaul Jewish Life invites you to welcome the Jewish New Year at the annual DePaul High Holiday services.  Rosh Hashanah services will be held Sept. 24 and 25, and Yom Kippur services on Oct. 3 and 4, in Room 120 of the Lincoln Park Student Center.  As members of the DePaul community, we would be delighted if you and your families would join us on these special days of the Jewish calendar.

Please note, while there is no service on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the holiday extends through sundown Friday, Sept. 26.  Observant students often take this day off as well.  As is customary, services are provided free of charge to DePaul students, faculty and staff.  However, due to capacity restrictions, participants should register for a ticket online in advance. Please call (773) 325-8650 for more information.

A list of other holidays that Jewish students may observe is available at University Ministry.

May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life for a happy and healthy year.

L'Shana Tova/ Happy New Year
Matthew Charnay
DePaul Jewish Life Coordinator

OUR MUSLIM LIFE AT DEPAUL

The Muslim community finished our holy month of fasting, Ramadan, in July this year. The end of the month was marked with the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

The other major holiday on the Muslim calendar, Eid ul Adha, is expected to fall on Oct. 5, 2014 this year. (As Muslim holidays are determined by the sighting of the moon, the actual holiday may vary a day from this date.) Eid ul Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) commemorates the sacrifices made by the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) for the sake of God. It comes at the end of the Hajj season, when millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca for the pilgrimage journey of their lifetimes. We are planning to have an Eid Celebration Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the DePaul Center on the Loop Campus and Oct. 11 at 6:00 p.m. in Cortelyou Commons on the Lincoln Park Campus.

Students, faculty and staff are always welcome to pray in the Muslim Life Center and prayer room in the Lincoln Park Student Center, Room 329, or on the Loop Campus in the Muslim prayer room in the CDM building, Room 436. Weekly Friday (Jumu'ah) prayer services are held at 1:15 p.m. in the Lincoln Park Muslim Life Center during the school year.

For inquiries about Muslim Life events at DePaul, questions about accommodations Muslim students may request due to these holidays or anything else, please contact Abdul-Malik Ryan, the assistant director of the Office of Religious Diversity who serves as chaplain for Muslim Life, atmryan42@depaul.edu. You also may contact Abdul-Malik if you wish to learn about the weekly programs, classes and activities available for Muslim students or others interested in Islam or Muslims at DePaul.

Salaam,

Abdul-Malik Ryan
Assistant Director
Office of Religious Diversity Chaplain for Muslim Life University Ministry

GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE

University Ministry hosts an annual university-wide memorial service to remember the family members and loved ones of those in the DePaul community who passed away during the past year. This year’s Gathering of Remembrance will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in Cortelyou Commons. For more information, contact University Ministry.