Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by practicing Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. The basic requirement is for practicing Muslims to fast from sunrise to sunset, meaning that no food or water should pass their lips for 17 hours a day. Further information about Ramadan can be found on the Human Rights and Equity website.

In 2021, Ramadan runs from April 13 through May 12. As a result, some students may be fasting during the exam period. They may in turn seek academic accommodations with respect to some of their exams.

The University’s guidelines for reviewing and granting these accommodations are outlined in the Faculty Handbook, section 3.C.13.2.3. Faculty members have discretion with respect to the granting of academic accommodations, including deferred exams, for courses they are teaching unless accommodations are required based on grounds covered under the Ontario Human Rights Code. For further guidance with respect to academic accommodations for Ramadan, please feel free to contact the Human Rights and Equity Office or the Provost’s Office.