The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) is thrilled to launch the 2026–2027 Days of Significance Calendar in an enhanced format designed to better support planning, engagement, and community connection across Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber. This interactive and practical tool can be added directly to faculty and staff Outlook calendars, making it easier to stay informed and plan with inclusion in mind.
The calendar reflects our commitment to Inclusive Campus Culture and Collective Action. By integrating it into everyday planning, faculty and staff can schedule classes, meetings, and events more thoughtfully, helping to reduce conflicts and support more equitable and inclusive decision-making. It encourages inclusive leadership by recognizing cultural and faith-based observances and reinforces our shared responsibility to create a campus where belonging is intentional, meaningful, and embedded in how we work together.
By recognizing cultural observances, national days of recognition, and religious holidays, we honour the traditions, histories, and beliefs that shape our vibrant community. This calendar contributes to the ongoing work of Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber to build inclusive systems that acknowledge the full lives and identities of our students and employees. We are proud of the diversity within our community, and inclusion is how we intentionally respond to that diversity by creating systems and spaces where people feel welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate.
How to Use the Days of Significance Calendar
Faculty and staff can use the calendar to plan ahead and review significant dates before scheduling classes, meetings, or major events. Offering flexibility, such as alternative dates or accommodations for those observing cultural or religious practices, remains critical to fostering inclusion. The calendar also helps ensure creed-based accommodation needs and obligations are better understood and supported across Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber. Faculty are encouraged to include statements in course outlines that acknowledge accommodations for cultural, historical, and faith-based observances and link to related institutional policies.
Communication also plays an important role. Teams can use inclusive language in emails and announcements to acknowledge significant days of recognition. Instructors can incorporate discussions of cultural and faith diversity into their curriculum where appropriate, and departments can highlight key dates in newsletters, communications, and social media.
To further support the use of this calendar and make it even more practical for faculty and staff, the Office of Human Rights & Harassment will be hosting an upcoming Learning & Development session focused on creed inclusion and accommodation. This session will help deepen understanding of the human rights responsibilities connected to creed-based observances and provide practical strategies for supporting inclusive and respectful learning and work environments across Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber.
Building Belonging: Creed Inclusion & Accommodation
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
This Learning & Development session with the Office of Human Rights & Harassment provides an overview of creed inclusion and accommodation within the context of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Participants will explore the duty to accommodate, common creed-based accommodation requests, and how to respond respectfully to creed-related needs. The session emphasizes shared responsibility, dignity, inclusion, and practical strategies to prevent discrimination and support equitable access for all in the Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber community.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the duty to accommodate and undue hardship
- Define creed and related human rights considerations
- Support inclusive, respectful learning and work environments
Registration link: https://simpli.events/e/Creed-Accommodation2026
By using this resource consistently, we move beyond awareness toward meaningful action. The calendar helps us plan with greater care, honour the diversity within our community, and create environments where everyone can participate more fully. Together, we can make inclusion a daily practice that strengthens a culture of respect, connection, and belonging across Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber.
To support implementation, we have also prepared a step-by-step guide for both Windows (PC) and Mac users.
Please note:
This is an imported calendar, not a subscription. It will not update automatically. If an updated version is released, you will need to re-import the new file.
With Gratitude
This work was made possible through meaningful collaboration and shared commitment across Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber. The Office of EDIB extends sincere thanks to the Office of Human Rights & Harassment and Marketing & Communications for their partnership, thoughtfulness, and support in helping bring this resource to life. Their contributions were instrumental in strengthening both the content and accessibility of this calendar and in supporting a shared institutional commitment to inclusion, awareness, and belonging.
Kimberly Daniels
Dean, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging