Making religious accommodations

[Linda Russell]

Ramadan began yesterday (or today, for some Muslims). I'll be sending out some information in the Instructor Tip of the Week, which comes to you in an email from the Center for Teaching and Learning at MCTC. In it, you'll find information on Ramadan itself, as well as MCTC's policies about making accommodations. One thing that is important is to recognize that when people are fasting, by late afternoon they are pretty wiped out. I've seen students have a lot of trouble concentrating, thinking correctly, and even just remembering things at that point. It may affect them on tests, especially. It doesn't mean you have to change your expectations, but if a student asks you if they could take a test in the testing center in the morning instead, you'll understand why.

What other kinds of things, if any, have you all experienced during Ramadan?

[Cory]

Thanks Linda! I was just going through my CTL information from last year and found the great tips that you sent out.
As a new adjunct last year I wasnt aware of the religious accommodation policies, it was sort of embarrassing having the student explain them to me. Is there a way that this information can be sent out as a reminder to new or adjunct staff too. I am sure we got it in orientation but I know that my head was spinning then!!
Cory

[Linda Russell]

I'm about to send it out in the tip of the week, Cory...

[Yolanda Y. Williams]

Teaching a night class that involves a fair bit of strength and energy (instrumental ensembles), I have often experienced students needing to either leave early, or take a break and just listen. The "light-headedness" is what usually I am made aware of. It's good to remember that some Christians also have this problem around Lent/Passion Week. Thanks Linda for the post.