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Advancing Belonging, Equity, Accessibility, Retention in Higher Education

Calendars of observances offer opportunities to advance equity, retention, accessibility, and belonging, facilitate the development of student advocacy, raise awareness of diversity and inclusion, and can be further individualized to reflect the demographics and needs of programs in university settings. Your ability to share observance calendars within your university program, however, may depend on your university’s institutional policies and applicable state laws.
The November 2026 Observance Calendar serves as an example of a monthly observance calendar and suggests focus areas that can connect inclusive teaching, advocacy, and clinical education, with intersecting identities, barriers, and deepening awarenesses that shape campus life and access to care.

Additional observance calendars, background, and information can be found at a variety of sources including but not limited to the following links:
https://www.un.org/en/observances
https://www.diversityresources.com/diversity-calendar-2026/?nab=1
https://diversity.cornell.edu/community-resources/dei-celebration-resources
https://www.frc.edu/diversity/diversity-awareness-calendar
https://www.tmcc.edu/campus-connections/awareness-calendar
https://tnpa.org/multicultural_calendar/

DATE/TIMELINEOBSERVANCEFOCUS OF OBSERVANCE
November 1International Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Awareness DayStrengthens understanding of pediatric epilepsy, disability-affirming care, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), while examining accommodations that support participation in academic and clinical settings.
November 3Election DayA significant event for US citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote for federal, state, and local offices.
November 8National First-Generation College Students’ DayRecognizes first-generation students’ strengths and contributions while addressing barriers to navigating institutional expectations, financial resources, mentorship, and clinical education opportunities.
November 9World Freedom DayOrganizations, schools, and civic groups use the day to teach about Cold War history, human rights, and the value of democratic freedom.
November 11Veteran’s DayIntended to honor and thank all who served in the US Armed Forces to assert military and veteran remembrance and inclusion in society
November 13World Kindness DayAn international observance held annually to promote empathy, compassion, and global unity.
November 13–19Transgender Awareness WeekPromotes student safety, equitable housing, and an inclusive campus climate while examining respectful documentation, gender-affirming clinical practices, and institutional policies that support trust and belonging.
November 16International Day for ToleranceEncourages dialogue across differences, examines bias and discrimination, and strengthens teaching and clinical practices that uphold dignity, cultural humility, and equitable participation.
November 16CADASIL Awareness DayExpands knowledge of this rare inherited condition and its potential effects on cognition and communication while examining inequities in access to genetic counseling, diagnostic services, and ongoing care.
November 16–20American Education WeekRecognizes educators, clinical educators, preceptors, and support staff while examining fair working conditions, psychological safety, and the institutional supports that sustain teaching, mentorship, and student success.
November 18Education Support Professionals DayRecognizes the essential contributions of support professionals and examine how equitable treatment, meaningful inclusion, and access to resources strengthen learning environments and student retention.
November 18LGBTQ+ STEM DayHighlights LGBTQ+ contributions to science and health professions while addressing intersecting barriers to mentorship, research participation, clinical placements, professional advancement, and belonging.
November 18–24World AMR Awareness WeekExamines how access to treatment, prescribing practices, infection prevention, and institutional resources influence antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health equity, particularly in communities with limited resources.
November 19International Men’s DayFocuses on men’s health, positive male role models, and gender relations.
November 19National Rural Health DayExplores rural workforce shortages, geographic isolation, and access to speech-language pathology, audiology, and other health services while considering accessible telehealth education and sustainable community partnerships.
November 20World Children’s DayUNICEF’s Global Day of Action marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
November 25International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against WomenAdvances trauma-responsive teaching and care, accessible reporting and support services, and awareness of how gender, disability, race, and economic circumstances shape exposure to violence and access to assistance.
November 26Thanksgiving DayObserved on the fourth Thursday in November typically as a day for family and friends to gather, share a large meal, and express thankfulness for the blessings and bounty of the past year
November 1–30Native American Heritage MonthHonors Indigenous knowledge, languages, cultures, and sovereignty while examining representation in curricula, institutional relationships with Tribal communities, and equitable access to education and culturally responsive care.
November 1–30National Diabetes MonthCan explore the relationship between diabetes and hearing health, appropriate audiology referrals, accessible health communication, and barriers to coordinated care and diabetes self-management.
November 1-30International 22q Awareness MonthAffects an estimated 1 in 2000 to 4000 births, presenting a complex array of medical, developmental, and educational challenges.
November 1–30Islamophobia Awareness MonthAddresses anti-Muslim prejudice, challenges stereotypes, and examines religious accommodations, representation, and institutional responses to discrimination in classrooms, campus spaces, and clinical settings.
November 1–30National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers MonthEngages students across speech-language pathology, audiology, nursing, medicine, and social work in learning opportunities that addresses communication access, caregiver well-being, cultural responsiveness, and shared care planning.

Leslie Crusco Grubler Ed.D., CCC-SLP
CAPCSD VP of Organizational Advancement,
Board Liaison, DEIB Committee, AIP Committee
Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Services
Lehman College, CUNY

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