Campus News
Celebrating and Observing Ramadan, Easter, and Passover
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.
Dear Instructional Community,
As we approach the end of winter quarter, members of our Muslim community begin observing Ramadan. Members of our Jewish and Christian communities will observe Passover and Easter, respectively, later in the spring.
- Ramadan begins Friday, February 28 and is expected to end Saturday, March 29, with Eid al Fitr celebrated the evening of Saturday, March 29-March 30.
- Christians using the Gregorian calendar and Eastern Orthodox Christians using the Julian calendar will both begin their observations with Palm Sunday on April 13 and culminate with Easter on Sunday, April 20
- Passover will begin at sundown on Saturday, April 12, and end after nightfall on Thursday, April 20, and includes Seder, the traditional Passover meal, on the first two nights.
With the end of winter quarter instruction on March 14 and final exams starting on March 17, 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 earlier today, Thursday, February 27, 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
This message was sent to the instructional community – faculty and graduate students.