Honoring Faith, Community and One Another
Below is a message from Dr. Ok-Hee Lee, Interim Provost & Senior VP for Academic and Student Affairs.
Dragon Community,
As several significant faith holidays approach—Ramadan, Lent/Easter, and Passover—we pause to recognize what these moments mean for many in our campus community. In a time when the world can feel unsettled and divided, these observances remind us of the grounding power of faith. They also invite us to extend respect to one another as we practice our spiritual beliefs. Dragons are strongest when we lead with curiosity, honoring the many traditions and beliefs that shape who we are.
Ramadan
Feb. 17-March 19, 2026, is the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to build a stronger relationship with God. Please show respect for our Muslim population by not bringing food or drink into classrooms and recognizing that fasting may take a physical and emotional toll. Ramadan ends with the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Prayer rugs and mats are available at the meditation rooms in CMU 117, CMU 121 (Intercultural Center), and Bridges Hall 154 (Women’s Center).
Dining options during Ramadan
- Kise Commons will offer green to-go containers at the Kise entrance. Students may request multiple to-go containers. You can fill the container yourself and reheat it later. Microwaves are available in residence hall kitchens and the CMU.
- Halal options are always available in Kise Commons. Breakfast items will be available all day during Ramadan.
- Wow Café and the C-Store will continue to be open late. Dragon Dollars are accepted.
- The Dragon Pantry has Ramadan meal kits while supplies last. Stop by the Dean of Students Office, Flora Frick 153, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lent/Good Friday/Easter
Lent (Feb. 18-April 2, 2026) is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and service or giving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It’s a period of preparation to remember the Lord’s Crucifixion on Good Friday, April 3, and Resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Passover
April 1-9, 2026, is Passover, one of the most revered holidays of the Jewish faith, commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their transition from slavery to freedom. A central Passover practice is omitting hametz or foods with leaven. Please be respectful to our Jewish friends during Passover.
Respect for all Religions
We live in a beautifully diverse world and ask everyone to respect the spiritual practices of the Dragon community.
- Supervisors: Support your team members by providing them with the time needed to observe their respective holidays.
- Employees: Communicate with your supervisors in advance if you require additional time and space for your religious observance.
- Instructors: Ask students to provide advance notice if they will miss class for their religious observance. Offer accommodations and time extensions if needed.
- Students: Notify your instructors if you need a religious accommodation.
Thank you for making Moorhead a welcoming community for all.