Dear Instructors and Students,
This year Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday Muslims observe yearly, will occur during the spring semester. Ramadan is a month where Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset daily and Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of this holy month. This year, Ramadan will take place from March 22 to April 21, with Eid al-Fitr scheduled for April 21 (the precise date depends on when the new moon is sighted).
We would like to remind you of the campus policies that outline the rights and responsibilities of both instructors and students with respect to course conflicts and accommodations of all types. The relevant policies are linked below and are also available via the Academic Accommodations Hub:
- Accommodation of Religious Creed
- Conflicts Between Extracurricular Activities and Academic Requirements
The Academic Senate has created guidelines for instructors and students to follow in navigating reasonable religious accommodations related to course requirements (see Checklist for Scheduling Conflicts with Academic Requirements). The Muslim Student Association (MSA) has also compiled a student resource for Eid and Ramadan accommodations. We encourage instructors and students to work together constructively to find the best feasible solution in each instance.
Students should note that it is their responsibility to inform instructors of their need for religious accommodation. We ask that students request accommodations no later than Friday, February 10th
During Ramadan, Cal Dining will provide adjusted meal options in the dining commons, including modified carry-out options that are specific to Ramadan. A meal plan is not required to purchase meals from the dining commons—any guest can pay for individual meals. Contemplation and meditation spaces will also be available on and off campus.
Best regards,
Benjamin E. Hermalin, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Mary Ann Smart, Chair, Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate