To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Alison Black, 2018 Class Dean; John O’Keefe, 2020 Class Dean; Amira Quraishi, Muslim Chaplain; and Tiffany Steinwert, Dean of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
Re: Planning for Ramadan
Date: December 13, 2017

In 2018, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will take place from May 15 to June 14. During this time, many Muslims will fast from daybreak to sunset. Almost 5 percent of Wellesley’s student body identifies as Muslim, so there will be students observing Ramadan throughout the reading and finals period, senior week, and commencement, which is June 1.

The College has been working with our campus partners and the commencement planning team throughout the fall to ensure that we are making appropriate preparations for students who observe Ramadan. We are truly heartened that the community has come together to support our Muslim members. We have received a petition from a number of students asking about the status of these preparations, and we’re happy to share this update on our planning.

We surveyed Muslim students in early October for guidance on the halal food that would best meet their needs throughout the year. During reading period and exams, food will be available for the pre-dawn suhūr and the post-sunset iftar meals. During the spring semester, faculty will be made aware of which students are observing Ramadan, and we will add an evening exam time following an iftar meal on each exam day so that students can eat before sitting for their exams.

The Senior Class Council has already met with Amira Quraishi, our Muslim chaplain, to learn about the Ramadan observance. Members have reached out to senior classmates to collectively plan non-food-focused activities for senior week and are looking to finalize and implement those plans early in the spring semester.

We will continue to offer suhūr during the commencement period. In addition, a family iftar will be held the evening before commencement, on May 31. While both baccalaureate and commencement have shaded areas beneath event tents for family viewing, the ceremonies will also be livestreamed and air-conditioned spaces will be available for family members who prefer a cooler temperature.

We are currently reviewing all the traditional commencement events to determine what further adjustments we should make to ensure that all students are able to attend and participate as fully as they wish. We anticipate completing our planning early in the second semester so that seniors and their families may plan accordingly.

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating students with all of their friends and families at commencement 2018!