What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast during the hours of daylight. Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that The Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during this month.

What do Muslims do during Ramadan?
Fasting from dawn to sunset, reciting the Qur'an and prayer are very important elements of observing Ramadan. Practising Muslims will usually attend the Prayer Facility more often during this time and additional nightly prayers ‘Tarawih’ are performed. Being charitable is also an important element of Ramadan.

University Support for Muslim students sitting examinations during Ramadan
Although it is likely that Ramadan will coincide with the main examination periods in 2020, it is not possible to change the dates of the examination periods as this would have a significant impact upon the academic year.

Whilst the University recognises the importance of religious fasting, in accordance with the University’s Extenuating Circumstances Regulations it would not be considered a reason for claiming extenuating circumstances. However, the University has considered carefully what adjustments it may be able to be make during the examination period to support students who are fasting.

Reasonable Adjustments – Examinations

Working within existing scheduling constraints, where it is possible Academic Registry will undertake the scheduling of main and resit examinations* whilst making every effort to consider the following:
 
Where practicable:


Students should complete the form found on the Academic Registry website and submit it to Academic Registry who will appraise them of the options available.

• Three hour examinations will be scheduled in the morning;
• No student will have two examinations in one day;
• Examinations that have Muslim students registered for study will not be scheduled on a Friday afternoon (this will be based upon the student declaration of religious belief made at the time of enrolment).

*(Please note examinations sat at the University of South Wales and examined by professional / external bodies are not scheduled by Academic Registry and therefore are not included in the above points.)
 

Additional Support

• Provision of prayer facilities will be made available, and publicised, at each campus during Ramadan;
• Two prayer times will be offered at the Treforest Islamic Prayer Room on Fridays so those whose examinations overlap the first prayer time can attend the second;
• Guidance for Muslim students on how to practise their faith whilst at University and manage their health, studying and the examination period during the month of Ramadan is published on the Chaplaincy Web Site and on UniLife.
• Support and advice from the Chaplaincy is available to both staff and students on all aspects of practising your faith whilst at University.

Deadline and process

Staff and Students are strongly advised to raise any concerns with the University at the earliest possible time but no later than the first day of March so that the University can explore with them possible reasonable adjustments.

It is important to note that religious belief and practices are not permitted reasons for extenuating circumstances under the University's Extenuating Circumstances Regulations.

Contacts:

Michelle Romaniw, Head of Chaplaincy Services
[email protected] 01443654060

Exams, Certification and Graduation Team, Academic Registry
[email protected]
01443 482015

• Muslim students must apply directly to Academic Registry to request an adjustment.
• Applications should be made at the start of the academic year, and no later than the first day of March each academic year.
• The application form is available on the Academic Registry website.