This past February, a first-of-its-kind webinar brought together non-Muslim college staff from across the country to explore how to better support Muslim students during the holy month of Ramadan. The inaugural Ramadan webinar bridged the gap in understanding and equipped staff with practical ways to create a more inclusive campus environment for Ramadan.
The webinar featured presentations from Muslim Campus Life board members, Joshua Salaam and Asma Malik. Their presentation offered insights into the significance of Ramadan, fasting practices, and the unique challenges faced by Muslim students during this time. Attendees participated in Q&A sessions, gaining valuable knowledge about creating flexible scheduling for exams and assignments, offering inclusive prayer spaces, and ensuring readily available halal food options.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about Ramadan firsthand and brainstorm ways to better serve their Muslim student populations. The webinar fostered a sense of understanding and a commitment to building more inclusive college campuses for all. By creating a more informed and supportive environment, colleges can ensure that all students, regardless of faith, can thrive during Ramadan and throughout the academic year.
The webinar was attended by over 30 college staff from several universities including Barnard College, New York University, Vanderbilt University, University of Southern California (USC), University of California, Berkeley, and Syracuse University.