It’s Ramadan time again, which means some of your students will be fasting from dusk to dawn – no food or water (yes, not even a lolly) for 12–13 hours! Back when I was a student during Ramadan, I remember waking up early with my family for Suhur, then either staying awake or sleeping for an hour. My schedule shifted slightly and I found certain times of the day more productive for cognitive work. With no food or coffee to digest, my mind felt clearer, allowing more focus on my study. However, the days could also be challenging, especially if I had to commute, didn’t get enough sleep or if the weather was hot. Missing the early meal could make it difficult to get through the day, but fasting felt easier knowing others around me were observing it too.
Inclusive and supportive learning environments during Ramadan
Fast forward 20 years, reflecting on students’ learning experiences is a key part of my role at UTS. During Ramadan, Muslim students follow a shared daily rhythm, yet their routines differ significantly from their peers.
Here in Australia, despite Islam being the second-largest religion, Muslim students are still a minority in classrooms and the only small group with empty stomachs for a whole month. In this blog, Muslim students share suggestions on how they can be supported during this time. Most of those I reached out to agreed on 3 key concerns:
- flexible deadlines and attendance policies
- breaks during Iftar time
- the option of online classes or recorded lectures
Academic perspectives
Amara Atif, a lecturer in FEIT, practices thoughtful support for Muslim students during Ramadan. She posts announcements to wish Muslim students and tutors a blessed Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, creating a sense of belonging. She is mindful of Iftar (break-fasting evening meal), bringing dates to class and giving students a break during this time.
For another academic perspective, read Amanda White’s experience and tips from first-year students on support during Ramadan. She noted that students requested scheduling exams before lunchtime, adjusting assessment deadlines to avoid 6-10PM, allowing brief class absences at sunset for breaking fast and prayer, and flexibility for evening classes.
Students can also use the Multi-Faith chaplaincy for prayer when they’re on campus.
Student perspectives
I think it’s important for us to acknowledge that people have different priorities. For us Muslims, our religion is deeply embedded in our lives, and during this one specific month, we are expected to dedicate a significant amount of our time to religious rituals. This can mean spending entire nights in prayer, while also attending classes during the day with no food in our stomachs. So, I really hope that all teachers can first and foremost acknowledge this reality, but also be patient with us during this month when it comes to deadlines for assignments or tasks. Lujane Al-Dosari (DAB student)
Allowing alternatives to on-campus classes
Some classes fall during the Iftar time. One student, Nora, expressed frustration with a compulsory on-campus tutorial starting at 7pm, which falls right in the middle of Iftar during Ramadan. Access to recordings was declined by the coordinator, citing the need for consent from all students, even though sessions are already recorded for ‘training purposes’ but not made available. Nora emphasised that having an option to attend online, even if recordings aren’t fully accessible, would be incredibly helpful in ensuring participation during this period.
Similarly, FASS student Nour El-Zmeter highlighted the importance of flexibility, suggesting that offering online classes as an alternative option would be beneficial if not already available.
Flexibility with deadlines and attendance
To support Muslim students during Ramadan, Law student Mlaika Maryam invites academics to consider offering flexible assignment deadlines and attendance policies, especially in the last 10 days of Ramadan (a period of heightened spiritual significance). She added that the current process for deadline extensions, requiring students to obtain approval from the Muslim Chaplain and then submit the request for administrative approval, can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when many students are applying at once. To support Muslim students more effectively, academics should consider granting immediate short-term extensions for Muslims for assessments during Ramadan without requiring a lengthy formal approval process.
Betty Mekonnen (student Equity Project Officer, Center of Social Justice and Inclusion) suggested scheduling exams and assessments earlier in the day to account for fasting fatigue and adjusting assignment deadlines to avoid the evening period. Additionally, Betty highlighted the need for flexibility in evening classes, such as allowing students to briefly step out to break their fast and pray. She also echoed students’ recommendations on offering recorded lectures or alternative attendance options for students with evening commitments.
A sense of belonging for our Muslim students
Promoting awareness of Ramadan and Eid helps create a more inclusive learning environment. It’s important to recognise Eid as a major religious holiday and provide flexibility with attendance and deadlines around this time, as suggested by our students and academics. Are there any other accommodations you’ve found effective in building a sense of belonging for our Muslim students during Ramadan?