Sunday marked the the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, where observant Muslims worldwide participate in daily fasting along with increased prayer and charity.
Washington State University, like other institutions of higher education in the state, provides accommodation for students who observe religious holidays.
Changes to students’ daily life during Ramadan may increase the need for academic flexibility, the WSU Office of the Provost said in a memo to college and faculty leaders.
“We request that you be flexible so that our Muslim students will be able to complete their semesters effectively and without academic consequences due to religious observation,” the memo said. For example, daily fasting, which calls for observant students to abstain even from water from dawn until sunset, could affect a student’s ability to complete assignments or take exams on the class schedule.
Though state law and WSU policy call for advance notice to receive religious accommodation, the Provost’s Office urged faculty to work with students on a case-by-case basis.
