Dear Instructional Community,
As we approach the end of winter quarter, members of our Muslim community have begun observing Ramadan. Members of our Jewish and Christian communities will observe Passover and Easter, respectively, later in the spring.
As we approach the end of winter quarter, members of our Muslim community have begun observing Ramadan. Members of our Jewish and Christian communities will observe Passover and Easter, respectively, later in the spring.
- Ramadan began Sunday, March 10, and is expected to end Tuesday, April 9, with Eid al Fitr celebrated April 10 – 11.
- Christians using the Gregorian calendar will begin their observations with Palm Sunday on March 24 and culminate with Easter on Sunday, March 31.
- Passover will begin before sundown on Monday, April 22, and end after nightfall on April 30, 2024, and includes Seder, the traditional Passover meal, on the first two nights
- Eastern Orthodox Christians follow the Julian Calendar and will celebrate Easter on Sunday, May 5.
With the end of winter quarter instruction this week and final exams starting on March 18, this is a stressful time. Students observing these holy days may miss classes and/or request extensions for assignments. Some will also limit or avoid the use of technology, including virtual learning platforms. For students fasting during Ramadan each day from dawn to dusk, the spacing of exams or other synchronous assignments may be especially critical.
The dean of students sent a message to all students on Friday, March 8, reminding them that it is best practice to let their instructors know ahead of time if they are going to miss class and/or need an extension on an assignment related to their observation of religious holidays.
When monitoring attendance, scheduling tests, deadlines, and assignments, we encourage you to make reasonable accommodations to help students achieve equitable course outcomes when their religious practices may conflict with the university’s academic calendar. In a parallel fashion, absence from classes or exams for religious reasons does not relieve students’ responsibility for completing any part of the coursework required during the period of absence. For more information on religious observance for tests and examinations, visit the Office of the Registrar’s Final Examinations web page.
If you or other members of our instructional community request accommodation for religious observance, please consult with your department chair or college provost.
Thank you in advance for your support of all our students.
Sincerely,
Lori
Lori Kletzer
Campus Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
