Best Practices and Resources in Support of our Muslim Students and Colleagues During Ramadan

Dear Cañada Community,

As we approach Ramadan, the Office of Equity and Cultural Center have prepared a series of best practices for you to support our Muslim students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus. This special time is marked by important contemplation and practices that may change the way our campus community accesses food, water, rest, and reflection. More information about the observation of Ramadan is included below. In particular, we share these best practices and resources in support of our students and colleagues. 

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a time for community, reflection, spiritual growth, and selflessness. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, the followers of Islam. During this month, many of our Cañada community are practicing one of the five fundamental principles of Islam–fasting. This means Muslim students, faculty, and staff are fasting from food and water from dawn until sunset for the next month. Please keep this in mind in your classes and services. 

This year, Ramadan begins at sunset on Sunday, March 10 and ends on the evening of Tuesday, April 9. 

How Can I Support?

Food Containers - If you are serving any food in your daytime classes or events this month, please consider having options like to-go containers. You may also get free to-go containers from the Cultural Center, Building 17 Room 117, or Student Life, in Building 5 Room 354.

Space - Contemplative and meditation spaces are still available at both the International Student Center, Building 9 Room 162 and Student Life in Building 5 Room 350. Please contact Kathy Kohut for more details about the International Student Center’s Offerings at kohutk@smccd.edu and Sergio Suarez for more details about Student Life’s offerings at suarezs@smccd.edu. 

Class & Activities - As a campus, we encourage instructors and students, employees and their supervisors, and coaches and their players to work together to find the best feasible solutions to support people when they are fasting and observing Ramadan this month. 

Celebratory Eid al-Fitr Event

At the end of Ramadan, there is a festival known as Eid al-Fitr, and it’s one of Islam’s major holidays in the year. If you are interested in learning more about Ramadan and Eid and how many Cañadians celebrate, please consider joining our student-led event with the Cultural Center, International Student Center, ARC, and Silicon Valley Intensive English Program. This will be our campus’ first Eid al-Fitr. It will take place on the rooftop of Building 23 on April 17th from 12:00 -1:30 PM. There will be Cañadian story-sharing, delicious cultural food from the United Arab Emirates, and dancing! View Eid al-Fitr event details on the college calendar.

We hope to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with you!