To celebrate the winter holiday season safely and in accordance with Cornell's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, employees are reminded of university guidelines.

In displaying holiday decorations, employees are expected to be sensitive to the rights and views of others. Decorations are expected to be undisruptive and should not interfere with work performance or use university resources without approval. Such displays must also conform to the fire/safety and decorative guidelines contained in the 2010 Winter Holiday Display Poster (PDF). This poster should be displayed in a prominent place.

More comprehensive information on event safety, including use of decorations and candles, can be found at the Environmental Health and Safety website. Questions or concerns about fire safety information can be directed to Christine Stallmann, associate vice president, Environmental Health and Safety, at 255-8200 or by email at ehsdir@cornell.edu. For diversity issues in the workplace concerning winter holiday displays, contact Alan Mittman, director of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations, at 255-6866 or by email at alm63@cornell.edu.

Beyond decorations and holiday celebrations in the workplace, employees are reminded of the many religious traditions that occur year-round. Throughout the year, such religious restrictions as fasting (with implications for event planning), observances (absences from work) and other practices may warrant religious workplace accommodations or event planning modifications. Consult the university's guidelines for handling requests for religious accommodations or contact Mittman. Cornell United Religious Work's calendar of major religious holidays is a helpful tool to consult when scheduling events.