The religious event must be recognized by the Office of the Spiritual and Religious Life (see list below)
SFC will not fund off-campus religious observances unless a key aspect of the observance deems it impossible to fulfill on-campus
Funds for alcohol may only be provided if alcohol is a core element of the observance
Examples: Hillel, Newman Catholic Community, Muslim Students Association, Oberlin Christian Fellowship
These organizations support the religious communities represented on Oberlin's campus by providing opportunities to celebrate or fulfill religious observances or obligations. Religious organizations shall separate their budgets into two separate and independent categories: Religious Observances, and Programming.
All universal policies apply to these organizations.
These organizations are eligible to request funding for the fulfillment of Religious Observances, with no caps.
General programming cap of $6000. No cap on number of events per semester/year.
The SFC recognizes that many religious communities are represented on Oberlin's campus, and that various faith traditions have important obligations for their adherents. This policy is intended to support groups designated as Religious organizations in fulfilling or celebrating crucial religious events.
A recognized Religious Observance is an event/celebration/ritual that serves the purpose of fulfilling a major religious commitment.
Events that have a religious theme, but do not serve the purpose of fulfilling a Religious Observation will not be considered Religious Observances. These events shall be included in the general Programming section of an organization's budget, and shall be allocated funds in accordance with normal SFC policies.
The SFC shall compile a list of major religious holy days and observances in consultation with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. If an organization desires funding for an observance not included on this list, the organization shall be required to gain approval from the Director of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life before SFC allocates funding. Said observance will then be added to the list of religious holy days and observances.
There shall be no cap on the number of Religious Observances allowed to each religious organization.
Religious Observances that occur weekly will be considered one Religious Observance that is capped at $8.50 per person per week.
No Religious Observance performed outside of Oberlin shall be funded, except in situations in which a key aspect of the Religious Observance is impossible to fulfill on campus. In these situations, transportation costs will be given special consideration.
Publicity, sound, technology, transportation, and equipment costs are to be considered according to the standard SFC allocation policies.
Food items that are central to fulfilling a Religious Observance shall be allocated:
According to the duration of the Observance, and the expected attendance of the event
With special consideration to the additional expense of foods that fulfill religious dietary restrictions (e.g. Halal, Kosher)
For a meal at the Religious Observance only if the meal is the Religious Observance itself (e.g. Eid al-Fitr).
Funding for alcohol is provided on an extremely rare basis. The alcohol must be a core component of the Religious Observance in order to receive consideration for funding, and organizations must provide a letter from their faculty/staff adviser, stating that this adviser will purchase, store, and oversee the appropriate use of the organization's alcohol before, during, and after the Religious Observances.
LIST OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL OBSERVANCES DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR
Prepared by Rev. Greg McGonigle, Director of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life As of November 22, 2010
Buddhist Bodhi Day Nirvana Day Kwan Yin Bodhisattva Day Dhamma Day
Christian (African American Protestant, Catholic, Episcopal, Evangelical, Friends, Orthodox, Progressive Protestant) Sabbath (weekly) Reformation Day All Saints Advent (four weeks) Immaculate Conception Christmas Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ash Wednesday Lent (40 days) Maundy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday Easter Ascension Thursday
Jewish Shabbat (weekly) Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Sukkot Shemini Atzeret Simchat Torah Chanukkah Tu B'Shevat Purim Pesach Lag B'Omer Shavu'ot
Multifaith Affirming Choice Through Spirituality (Roe v. Wade Anniversary) Oberlin Interfaith Community (September 11, Diwali, Thanksgiving, MLK Day, Holi, Friendship Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day) Oberlin Meditators (daily meditation) Queers and Allies of Faith (National Coming Out Day, Pride Week/Month)