Programs and Events Schedule
This page compiles the various upcoming programs, sessions, and events hosted, sponsored, or co-sponsored by ACO across Seattle Colleges. All events and activities are open to all and free of charge. Click on any accordion box for details.
Seattle Colleges remains in compliance with Washington laws, executive orders, and directives. In addition to complying with federal Civil Rights laws Washington state agencies must ensure that there is compliance with the Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60) which covers more protected classes than federal Civil Rights laws.
September 2025
Mawlid al-Nabi (birthday of Mohammad)
Dates: September 5-6, 2025
Resources and Notes: Mawlid al-Nabi, Arabic for the “birthday of the prophet”, marks the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. Some Muslims commemorate the event because of his significance in Islam. The faithful believe that the Quran, God’s final testament to mankind, was revealed to the prophet, and that he was the most important messenger sent to humanity. Source: California Teacher's Association
National Latinx/e/@ Heritage Month
Dates: September 15 to October 15, 2025
Resources and Notes: The National Museum of the American Latino
Rosh Hashana (New Year)
Dates: September 22 to 24, 2025 (sundown to sundown)
Resources and Notes: Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year. A time of introspection, abstinence, prayer and penitence. The story of Abraham is read, the ram’s horn is sounded, and special foods are prepared and shared. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two most-observed Jewish Holidays, called the high holy days. Designated non-workday for observers.
Sharad Navratri
Dates: September 22 to October 2, 2025
Resources and Notes: A nine-day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
International Day of Sign Languages
Dates: September 23, 2025
Resources and Notes: Proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
Dates: September 30
Resources and Notes: September 30 is recognized in both Canada and the United States as the National Day of Remembrance for Indian.
Federal Response Steering Committee
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 1p.m. to 2.p.m.
Location: Zoom
Details: Community discussion on the Federal changes that impact Higher Ed institutions including Seattle Colleges and how we will respond.
Orange Shirt Day of Remembrance
Date: Tuesday, September 30
Time: 11a.m. to 1p.m.
Location: Lawn to the south of Broadway Edison Building at Seattle Central College
Details: Event open to all Seattle Colleges and Seattle Community, speakers, performers, elders will speak. Food will be served by Off the Rez Food Truck
Open House
Date: Tuesday, September 30
Time:
Location: South Seattle College, Room JMB 146
Details: Open invitation to the community
October 2025
Filipino American History Month
Dates: October 1 to October 31
Resources and Notes: Since 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has been celebrating October as Filipino American History Month (FAHM) across the United States. In 2009, the month was first recognized by the U.S. Congress, and in 2015, President Obama hosted the first FAHM celebration at the White House. The official theme for FAHM 2025: Filipino American Migration and Movement Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th Anniversary of the 1965 Immigration & Naturalization Act. Source: Quotas to Communities
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Dates: October 1 to 2, 2025 (sundown to sundown)
Resources and Notes: Holiest and most observed Jewish holiday. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah are the two most-observed Jewish Holidays, called the high holy days. Designated non-workday for observers.
Chuseok (Hangawi)
Dates: October 5 to 7, 2025
Resources and Notes: Midautumn harvest festival and a three-day holiday in South Korea.
World Mental Health Day
Dates: October 10, 2025
Resources and Notes: World Mental Health Day is observed every year on Oct. 10. The World Federation for Mental Health established the date in 1992 to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Source: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
National Coming Out Day
Dates: October 11, 2025
Resources and Notes: The first National Coming Out Day, organized by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg with the National Coming Out Day organization, was observed on October 11, 1988, the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. In 1993, the National Coming Out Day organization merged with the Human Rights Campaign.
Shmini Atzeret
Dates: October 13 to 15, 2025 (sundown to sundown)
Resources and Notes: On this eighth day of Sukkot, the final day of celebration, Jews store up the sentiments of gratitude, joy, and devotion acquired throughout the entire fall holiday season. On the second day of Simchat Torah, Jews celebrate the conclusion—and restart—of the annual Torah-reading cycle.
Indigenous People’s Day
Dates: October 13, 2025
Resources and Notes: Prior to the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Seattle, a group of indigenous organizers led marches and protests in downtown Seattle on Columbus Day from 2009-2014. In 2014, team of Native activists and allies successfully advocated for the City of Seattle to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. That year, United Indians hosted Seattle’s first Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration. Source: UnitedIndians.org
Diwali
Dates: October 20, 2025
Resources and Notes: Diwali (Festival of Lights) is a major cultural celebration observed throughout India every fall. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Light is a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. During Diwali in India, houses and business locations are brightly illuminated with lamps, diyas (oil lamps), and candles. Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is worshiped for prosperity. Diwali is celebrated with families and friends, wearing new clothes, partaking in family feasts, enjoying delicious sweets, sharing gifts and most importantly, setting off firecrackers! Source: Seattle Center
Faculty and Staff of Color Conference (FSOCC)
Dates: October 29 to 31, 2025
Resources and Notes: The Washington Faculty and Staff of Color Conference (FSOCC) recognizes the importance and strength of diversity within higher education. FSOCC was established in 1996 to move diversity beyond a value and into the development and retention of people of color within higher education.
Open House
Date: Wednesday, October 1
Time: 11a.m. to 1p.m.
Location: Welcome Center
Details: Open invitation to the community
Date: Thursday, October 2
Time: 12:00 to 2:00p.m.
Location: BE1112
Details: This quarterly open house aims to increase awareness of ACO services, encourage collaboration across programs, and create opportunities for dialogue that support success, belonging, and engagement for students, faculty, and staff.
Student Involvement Fair
Date: Tuesday, October 7
Time: TBD
Location: Atrium
Details: Explore Student Clubs, committees, leadership boards, and peer mentor programs on campu. Connect by signing up or starting your own club!
Transgender Aid and Education Group Meetings Begins
Date: Wednesday, October 8 - continues biweekly throughout the Fall quarter
Time: 11a.m. to 1p.m.
Location: JMB128
Details: Meets biweekly starting October 8th
Project Baldwin Fellas Friday Kickoff
Date: Friday, October 10
Time: 12:00 to 2:00p.m.
Location: Zoom
Details: Virtual empowerment space for undersupported and underserved students, faculty, and staff that occurs weekly, starting October 10.
National Coming Out Day
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: TBD
Location: BE1112
Details: Tabling
Black Student Experience Focus Group
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Location: JMB140
Details: ACO led student focus group
Indigenous Student Experience Focus Group
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 12:00 to 1:00p.m.
Location: JMB140
Details: ACO led student focus group
Art Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 1 to 2p.m. (weekly)
Location: M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery/Atrium
Details: Student Engagement-community building/storytelling. Join us for a hands-on Art Workshop where you can create or complete your piece in time to submit. We’ll have acrylic painting, gelli printing, and collage materials available.
Latine Student Experience Focus Group
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Location: JMB140
Details: ACO led student focus group
Trans/Gender Expansive Experience Student Experience Focus Group
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 12:00 to 1:00p.m.
Location: JMB140
Details: ACO led student focus group
Financial Literacy
Date: Thursday, October 16
Time: 12:00 - 1:30
Location: TBD
Details: please contact Project Baldwin Director Julius Lloyd at julius.lloyd@seattlecolleges.edu for information
Sisterhood: Mentorship Initiative Kickoff
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: TBD
Location: Zoom
Details: Empowerment space for undersupported and underserved students, faculty, and staff that occurs weekly, starting October 22nd.
Political Table Talk
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: please contact ACO Director Chisa O'Quinn at chisa.oquinn@seattlecolleges.edu for information
South Women of Color Collective Kickoff
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 12:00 to 1:00p.m.
Location: RSB030
Details: South Women of Color Collective meets biweekly.
Undocumented Student Support Taskforce
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 3 to 4p.m.
Location: Teams
Details: ACO led employee collaborative across the campus focusing on supportive services for undocumented students on campus
Tour University of Washington
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.
Location: University of Washington
Details: Project Baldwin scholars tour UW to learn about the transfer process
North Seattle College Development Day
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time:
Location:
Details: please contact ACO Director William White at william.l.white@seattlecolleges.edu for information
Seattle Central College Development Day
Cultural Appropriation Workshop “Appreciation vs. Appropriation”
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 2 to 4p.m.
Location: BE1112
Details: The Cultural Appropriation Workshop is designed to create space for students, staff, and faculty to learn the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. The purpose is to foster understanding, respect, and awareness around cultural practices while aligning with Seattle Central’s values of access, belonging, and opportunity. This initiative supports a more connected and respectful campus culture by encouraging dialogue, reflection, and action.
South Seattle College Development Day
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 8:45 to 10.00a.m.
Location: Georgetown campus for staff, South campus for faculty
Details: Trans Affinity Education Group Workshops
Lunch with the President
Date: Thursday, October 30
Time:
Location: Library Space
Details: Connect directly with Seattle Central’s President in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The event encourages open dialogue, builds community, and gives participants a chance to ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about the college’s vision and priorities.
November 2025
Native American Heritage Month
Dates: November 1 to November 31
Resources and Notes: National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. Source: Native American Heritage Month
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Dates: November 1
Resources and Notes: El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a day of celebration, particularly for the people in Mexico and Central America, and for many Mexican Americans in the United States. It is a day to honor and commemorate the lives of the dearly departed and to welcome the return of their spirits. Source: The National Museum of the American Latino
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR)
Dates: November 20
Resources and Notes: Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. It was was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. Source: GLAAD
Northwest Native Hip Hop History Month Showcase
Date: Thursday, November 6
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: A teach-in or performance showcase of northwest Native Hip Hop Artists and Hip Hop Scholars, in collaboration with 206 Zulu and Native Seattle Colleges Students
Beyond the Beat: Hip Hop’s Storytelling & Struggles - Multicultural DJ Event
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: The Multicultural DJ & Hip Hop Experience is a campus-wide celebration of Hip Hop History Month designed to honor the culture’s global impact while highlighting its role in advancing social justice and community connection. This initiative combines a Hip Hop & Social Justice Panel, a Library Exhibit, and a Multicultural DJ Showcase to provide students, staff, and faculty with opportunities to learn, engage, and celebrate. By creating space for dialogue, cultural expression, and cross-cultural appreciation, the initiative aligns with Seattle Central’s commitment to fostering Access, Community, and Opportunity. It bridges education and celebration, ensuring that all members of the college community feel represented, included, and inspired.
Black & Brown Male Summit
Date: Sunday, November 16
Time: TBD
Location: Highline
Details: To empower and motivate our Black and Brown young men to excel in academics and to accept nothing less than excellence from self.
Student Ambassador Movie Night
Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time: 5 to 8p.m.
Location: Welcome Center
Details: Student Ambassadors welcome students into the Welcome Center for dinner and a Movie
Indigenous People's Soiree - Native American Heritage
Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: The Indigenous Peoples’ Day Soirée is a cultural celebration designed to honor the histories, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities. The event will feature music from Indigenous artists, a curated visual slideshow, resource tables, and interactive activities that foster awareness, respect, and connection. This initiative aligns with Seattle Central’s mission to promote access, community, and opportunity by creating spaces that uplift underrepresented voices and share diverse knowledge systems. Through celebration and education, the soirée will strengthen relationships between the campus and local Indigenous communities. Intended for staff, faculty, and students to participate in.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Date: Thursday, November 20
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed annually on November 20 to honor the memory of transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence.
December 2025
Rosa Parks Day
Date: December 1
Resources and Notes: Commemorates the arrest of Rosa Parks, in 1955, for defying segregation by refusing to give up her seat on the bus for a white passenger. The incident led to the end of segregation.
UN: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Date: December 3
Resources and Notes: Promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
UN: International Human Rights Day
Date: December 10
Resources and Notes: Celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Observed globally. Source: UN
Hanukkah
Dates: December 15-22, 2025
Resources and Notes: Begins previous sundown at 6pm. The Festival of Lights is celebrated for eight days. About 164 B.C., Maccabees, a small group of Jews fighting for religious freedom won victory over the Syrians. The legend goes that to rededicate the Temple, they found only one jar of holy oil and miraculously the candelabra remained lit for 8 days. An eight candle menorah is lit.
Posada
Dates: December 16 to Dec 24
Resources and Notes: A nine-day traditional celebration throughout Mexico. Processions of pilgrims go door to door asking for posada, which means shelter, commemorating the search by Mary and Joseph for shelter.
Yuki
Date: December 22
Resources and Notes: During the winter solstice – the longest night of the year, the rebirth of the sun which is life sustaining is celebrated. The Yule tree is decorated with fruit and candles are lit to represent the sun.
Christmas
Date: December 25
Resources and Notes: Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Kwanzaa
Date: December 26, 2025 to January 1, 2026
Resources and Notes: Kwanzaa is a time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to celebrate African American culture. Africa. The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent. Source: NMAAHC
Rizal Day
Date: December 30
Resources and Notes: This day commemorates the death of Jose Mercado Rizal in 1896, a Filipino doctor and author whose books denounced Spanish administration. He was an inspiration to the Philippine nationalist movement.
Omisoka
Date: December 31
Resources and Notes: To usher in the new year, families clean their homes, eat toshi-koshi buckwheat noodles in the hope that one’s life will be stretched out as long as these noodles. As midnight approaches, Shinto temples around the country begin ringing out the old year, sounding the temple bell 108 times, signifying the 108 human worldly desires removed by the striking of the bell.
Project Baldwin End of Quarter Celebration
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Details: Relationship building