Spring is finally here - hope you are enjoying the good weather! 🌱 In this email we share some ideas about how to approach Ramadan and some just-in-time articles from the Teaching Tips Archive.

Quick Tips: As we approach the end of the semester, check out previous topical Teaching and Tech Tips articles like Canvas Gradebook Timesavers, ideas for the Last Day of Class, our Distance Assessment article, and, if you missed the workshop, here's the Planning Final Assessments workshop handout.

Main Article: Supporting Religious Observance - The Muslim holiday of Ramadan lasts a month, but comes at different times each year. While Massachusetts law requires accommodations for students who miss class for religious reasons, not all students feel comfortable asking for what they need - especially given experiences with Islamaphobia or xenophobia. Here are some tips to support them:

Learn about Ramadan. What is it? How is it celebrated? Read articles, reach out to colleagues and friends, etc. Check out the resources at the bottom of this email.
Think about how you might accommodate students. For example, could you shift your evening class break to coincide with fast-breaking? Change submission deadlines to the morning so students can submit after they eat in the evening? Talk to your students and see what would be helpful.
Follow the principle of "You go first." Educational researcher Dr. Newton Miller suggests faculty try to be proactive and tell students about accommodations, like extensions or retakes, before they ask (particularly important for students who are the farthest from educational justice). Here, it could simply mean telling students how you're willing to shift assignments or classwork, or that they can speak to you privately if there's an accommodation that would be helpful.
Finally, consider your circle of influence. Do you have an upcoming faculty meeting, or supervise graduate students? Start conversations about how you support diverse students, including strategies for this month-long holiday!

Ramadan Mubarak for those who celebrate (have a blessed Ramadan)!

Learn more about supporting students during Ramadan, and other religious holidays:

Ramadan - Wikipedia Article
How Teachers can Support Students During Ramadan - PBS.org
Testing and Fasting - Inside Higher Ed
Tip: Respecting Religious Beliefs - Breana Brayaktar
Williams College Multi-Faith Religious Calendar - yearlong calendar of holidays with recommended accommodations
This shareable graphic captures some essential Ramadan facts helpful for educators:

Source: Tips for Teaching Professors