Vanderbilt University officials have decided to include pagan holidays on the school's list of religious holy days.

The new holidays were included on a calendar sent to faculty by the university's office of religious life.

University officials say students can be excused from class to accommodate their religious beliefs.

A school spokesperson says they want their faculty to be aware of the pagan holidays so that they can be sensitive to student needs.

Christmas and Christmas Eve remain the only paid university holidays.