Dear colleagues,

As you may know, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin the evening of Tuesday, February 17th and will run through sundown of Thursday, March 19th. Those observing Ramadan may fast daily (abstaining from food or drink, including water) from just before sunrise to sunset.

In order to accommodate SPH students observing Ramadan, it would be helpful for faculty to allow extensions on assignments due in the late evening. It would also be helpful to hold class breaks around sunset (7pm or later) to allow practicing students the opportunity to have Iftar, breaking of the fast.

Students are encouraged to reach out to faculty with individual requests/accommodations. Faculty may refer to the Boston University Policy on Religious Observance in determining how to provide accommodation if requested.

Recognizing that it may be difficult for students observing Ramadan to find food options on campus after sunset, Graduate Student Life is stocking food items in the student lounge and restocking on a weekly basis. As a reminder, the student lounge food pantry is always available for students experiencing food insecurity—if you are facing food insecurity, please reach out to Mary Murphy-Phillips for support at mcmurph@bu.edu

If helpful, below is a list of Medical Campus prayer/meditation spaces:

Talbot Building Reflection and Meditation Room    715 Albany Street (BU ID required)

  • Room 303A Center (3rd floor)

Medical School: Housman (R) Building (BU ID required)

  • Room R107 (1st floor) – Fridays only, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Room R1018A (10th floor) – open 24/7

Crosstown Building   801 Albany Street (BU ID required)

  • 4thFloor, Suite 431, Room 447.

Menino Pavilion   840 Harrison Avenue

  • Interfaith chapel available for meditation and prayer located in the Menino Pavilion lobby

Goldman School of Dental Medicine 635 Albany Street (BU ID required)

  • 2nd Floor, Room 226
  • 7th Floor, Room 726

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to sphdi@bu.edu.

Best,
Yvette Cozier, DSc, MPH
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

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