Ramadan: Exams Support Advice and Guidance

The month of Ramadan is a special month in the Islamic Calendar for Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islamic faith. There are years when Ramadan overlaps exam period impacting many Muslim students who will be fasting.

This guide is to provide understanding on how to manage Ramadan to minimise any potential impact on exams to support Muslim students observing Ramadan while undertaking their exams.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is the holiest month of the year for Muslims. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. People wake up before dawn for “suhur” (meal to be consumed before dawn) and then fast until sunset where they will gather for the breaking of the fast ‘’Iftar’’. On average Muslim students across the UK will fast for over 18 hours without eating and drinking anything. According to the 2011 Census there are over 329,694 Muslims in further & higher education. This is a significant demographic of students who will be fasting whilst sitting their exams.

Impact of Fasting on Exams

Due to the length of the fasting day, there can be an impact on concentration and increased fatigue.

Practical aspects for Ramadan and exam

1) Staff Awareness • Access to information on Ramadan and its importance to Muslim people • Importance of five daily prayers if any of them falls during the exam • Effects of fasting on concentration

2) Student support • Ensure you plan to break your fast so you can access food at sundown • Take care that you eat a well-balanced diet – including complex carbohydrates, protein, fruit and vegetables • Ensure you hydrate well when you break the fast as well as drinking plenty of water with your morning meal • Stay indoors and/or in the shade • Limit physical activity where possible – especially if it is hot • Rest well especially around your exam days • Look for information where Mosques provide an Iftar meal daily during Ramadan

For Further advice and support please contact the Chaplaincy on 01902 322903

Extenuating Circumstances Policy:

If you are unwell and unable to take an exam please refer to the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy. https://www.wlv.ac.uk/media/departments/academic-standards-and- quality/documents/Guidance-for-Students-circumstance.pdf)

The Policy states:

University Examination Regulations for Students

1 Before the Examination:

1.2 If you cannot attend the examination because of illness, accident or any other reason, you may wish to apply for Extenuating Circumstances, this must be submitted on the day the examination is scheduled to take place as retrospective (late) claims will not be considered. Details on how to do this can be found in your e: Vision account. Please consult the University guidelines on Extenuating Circumstances for further details. https://www.wlv.ac.uk/media/departments/academic-standards-and- quality/documents/Guidance-for-Students-circumstance.pdf)

1.5 The University will endeavour to avoid holding formal examinations during significant religious times and periods. If you believe that you will have a problem attending an examination because of the requirements of your faith, then you must notify the University at the earliest opportunity, and no later than 21 days before the examination.