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This is an educational resource about the many religious holy days celebrated at Clarkson. Not only does this section offer information about dates and practices, we also hope the recommended academic and food accommodations will be valuable to those planning classroom activities and other academic and co-curricular events. Contact us at diversity@clarkson.edu with questions about reasonable accommodations for religious holy days.

Dates, Practices and Accommodations: Points to remember

• Dates are assembled from several calendars and begin with the academic year (August through July). Lunar calendars vary based on region and practice.
• “Kosher restrictions apply” refers to the dietary guidelines of Jewish law which apply daily throughout the year. Restrictions include pork, shellfish (fish is allowed) and mixing meat with dairy.
• Many religious spiritualities around the world practice limited dietary restrictions (ie: avoiding certain foods, fasting at certain times during the day or throughout the year. Certain religions will prohibit the consumption of certain foods and drink.  Religions can include, but are not limited to: Christian, Hindu, Jewish,  and Muslim. 
• “Halal dietary restrictions apply” refers to the foods prohibited according to Islamic dietary law throughout the year. Restrictions include alcohol and pork.
• The Chief Inclusion Office in consultation with the Council of Student Diveristy and Inclusion suggests trying to serve food in Kosher-style. This covers a wide variety of dietary needs.  However, it is always important to think of vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-restricted participants.  Again, we are here to help.  Please contact diversity@clarkson.edu.

Campus Resources

Those wishing to pursue their spiritual or religious practices at Clarkson will find a wide array of on and off-campus options.

This room is in the heart of the Potsdam Hill Campus. Located in the student center it is open to all for use. There are ritual baths, lockers to hold belonging, and furniture and rugs that may be moved around for use by groups or individuals to meet the needs of different practices. In addition, there are many student groups affiliated with Clarkson and off-campus groups as well.  

Student Groups Affiliated with the Council of Student Diversity and Inclusion
Hillel
MSO
Muslim Student Association
Newman Club

Each club supports spiritual and religious activities and co-sponsors events with the Chief Inclusion Office.

Community Resources

The Potsdam Masjid was built 25 years ago by Muslim students from �Ӱ���̳ and Tarik Ait Maathallah serves as the imam. For more information, please reach out to the Muslim Student Association or the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office.  

Congregation Beth El has been a central part of Jewish life in the North Country for over 50 years. In the words of the synagogue, “We are a vibrant egalitarian congregation welcoming people of all backgrounds and approaches to Judaism. We serve the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of the Potsdam-Canton community. Congregation Beth El emphasizes understanding and celebration of Jewish liturgy and song while striving to help congregants explore contemporary understanding of such Jewish values as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedek (justice), g’milut hasadim (performing deeds of loving kindness), and shalom (peace or wholeness)”. For more information, please reach out directly to the Congregation Beth El synagogue, Hillel (Clarkson student organization,  or the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office. 

First Presbyterian Church of Potsdam has been a worshipping community in the village of Potsdam since 1811 and Rev. Katrina Hebb serves as the pastor. For more information, please reach out directly to the First Presbyterian Church or the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office.

This church was built in 1900. There are also sister parishes in Canton, NY, Colton, NY, and Ogdensburg, NY. In the words of the church, “The mission of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary in Potsdam, a community including the campuses of �Ӱ���̳ and SUNY Potsdam, is to foster the salvation of souls in Christ Jesus through evangelization by means of the sacraments, worship, service, education and fellowship”. For more information, please reach out directly to the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church or the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office.

This church congregation was formed in 1825 and has occupied the plot of ground where the church now stands since 1827. Rev. James Galasinski serves as the minister. For more information, please reach out directly to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton or the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office. 

The Potsdam United Methodist Church has been on the same block in the center of Potsdam since 1820 and Pastor Heidi R. Chamberlain serves as the pastor. For more information, please reach out directly to the Potsdam United Methodist Church or the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office.

Canton Seventh-Day Adventist Church is a Christian community where students can join for Bible study, worship and prayer.  

Holidays and Dates Celebrated

Select a dropdown menu below for more information on the holidays and dates celebrated: