Recognition and Observances
The College of Education and Human Ecology (EHE) is committed to fostering an academic environment that promotes learning, historical understanding, and appreciation for people and communities that have shaped education, health, and human development. Throughout the year, numerous national, state, and international organizations designate commemorative days, weeks, and months recognizing historical events, professions, cultures, communities, and social issues.
It is designed to support the College's educational mission while remaining consistent with Ohio State University, state, and federal policies.
Guiding Considerations
The proposed framework is grounded in five guiding considerations.
Educational relevance. Consider opportunities to share historical context, scholarship, and information.
Connection to EHE. Include observances related to research, teaching and service in related programs and alignment with the College’s mission.
Flexibility. Maintain a thoughtful and responsive approach to recognizing observances, allowing the college to determine the timing, format, and extent of acknowledgment based on relevance, opportunities, and institutional priorities.
Broad participation. Encourage opportunities for engagement, learning, and participation across the college community, while considering accessibility and the varied interests and perspectives of faculty, staff, and students.
University guidance. Ensure college communications, events, and use of resources are consistent with applicable law and current Ohio State guidance.
Ways the College May Recognize an Observance
EHE may recognize observances through a variety of approaches, including the online recognition calendar, sharing educational resources, highlighting relevant teaching and research, featuring faculty, staff, students, and partners, and offering or highlighting events, academic programming, and opportunities for engagement.
An Online Recognition Calendar
EHE maintains an accessible online calendar of commemorative observances, including those connected to the college’s academic disciplines and professional fields.
The calendar is intended to serve as a useful, evolving resource rather than an exhaustive list. Observances may be added or updated over time to reflect additional recommendations, emerging opportunities for learning, and connections to the college's academic and professional disciplines.
Faculty, staff, students, and academic units may recommend additional observances for potential inclusion on the calendar. Recommendations should identify the observance, its recognizing organization, and its educational, historical, scholarly, or professional relevance. Submissions will be considered in accordance with the Guiding Considerations to maintain a calendar that is informative, relevant, and reflective.
Observances recommendation form
Illustrative Recognition Categories
The following examples illustrate the breadth of observances that may be included on the calendar and are not intended to establish priorities or limit consideration of other observances.
| Category | Examples | Potential EHE connection |
|---|---|---|
| Historical and cultural | Black History Month; Hispanic Heritage Month; Women’s History Month | History, scholarship, educational contributions |
| Education and professions | World Teachers’ Day; National School Counseling Week | Educator preparation, counseling, professional practice |
| Health and human development | World Mental Health Day; National Disability Employment Awareness Month | Well-being, human development, workforce |
| International | International Day of Education; International Literacy Day | Global education, literacy, educational opportunity |
| Civic and community | Constitution Day; Veterans Day; National Volunteer Week | Civic learning, service, engagement |
| Religious and cultural traditions | Diwali; Eid; Passover; Lunar New Year | Cultural literacy and educational awareness |
Communication
Communications will reflect the significance of the observance and its connections to the college's mission, academic disciplines, and broader community. Communications may include:
- A brief historical overview of the observance;
- Its connection to education, health, or human ecology;
- Examples of relevant EHE teaching, research, outreach, or community partnerships; and
- Resources for individuals interested in learning more.
Depending on the significance of the observance, communications may be shared through a college-wide email, the EHE website, internal newsletters, social media, faculty or student spotlights, or event calendars.
*This framework may be adjusted as the college’s needs and institutional guidance evolve.