É«ÀÇÉçÇø

As É«ÀÇÉçÇø fosters a greater sense of diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is important to educate faculty and student affairs professionals on the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. This year, Ramadan began on April 24th and it will end May 24th. During this time, many Muslims will fast (abstain from food and drink, even water) from dawn to dusk for 30 days. Most Muslims wake early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a meal called iftar. However, not all Muslims fast during Ramadan. Some exceptions excuse Muslims from fasting, such as sickness, age, and pregnancy.

Many Muslims use their time during the month of Ramadan in spiritual reflection. Muslims increase their knowledge of Islam by reading the Quran, improving self-growth, spending time with family and friends, and giving to charity. Ramadan is about sacrifice, devotion, and forgiveness. Although the month of Ramadan is supposed to be a joyous and social time, this Ramadan will be different due to COVID-19. Traditional social activities during Ramadan are curtailed, and mosques remain closed. This year, Ramadan is during the height of virtual learning, final exams, and early summer classes.

Here are a few suggestions faculty, advisors, and student affairs professionals can employ to support Muslim students during the month Ramadan.

• Educate yourself about the importance of Ramadan. There are many resources and websites on the internet. Check out the resource .
• Have compassion and empathy for students who are fasting. Fasting students are waking and sleeping during odd hours which may impact their academic performance and their mood. This may affect their engagement with virtual discussions or zoom meetings.
• Connect with your students by saying “Ramadan Mubarak or Happy Ramadan”. Send an email to ask how their fasting is going. Ask the student if they need your assistance while fasting and studying for exams.
• Do not push a Muslim student to be a “spokesperson” for their religious beliefs. Some students may not be knowledgeable on the principles of Ramadan. However, if a student is willing, provide a space for them to educate you and classmates about Ramadan through writing, poetry, or art.
• Advisors and counselors can ask Muslim students about their workloads and study habits. Find out if your students are overwhelmed with their course load while fasting as final exams approach.
• Be mindful of mental health issues. Many Muslim students are accustomed to socializing with family, friends, and neighbors and praying in the mosque during the month of Ramadan. Connect students to the Wellness Center if they are feeling anxiety, loneliness, and isolation, especially if they are living away from home.
• Advisors and counselors can also accommodate Muslim students by offering different appointment times outside normal business hours. Such as offering evening or early morning appointment times.
• Faculty can provide reasonable allowances or accommodations on assignments and exams to minimize student stress. For example, provide different time slots for final exams to make it easier for students to maintain cognitive focus.

Keep in mind that many Muslim students are fasting for approximately 15 hours a day while studying, taking exams, and finishing assignments. It is important for faculty, advisors, and other student affairs professionals to support our Muslim students during this stressful time.