Ramadan Support:
Ramadan is a significant religious observance for many students, faculty, and staff at VCU. We encourage the campus community to engage in learning about this important month to better understand the experiences of those who observe it. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Tuesday, February 17 and will end on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, contingent upon the sighting of the new moon.
For those who will observe Ramadan, fasting may require abstaining from food and drink daily from sunrise to sunset. To support members of our university community while honoring their religious obligations, some adjustments may be necessary to participate in the various aspects of Ramadan. To support students in balancing their academic responsibilities with religious observances, we encourage proactive communication with faculty and staff regarding necessary adjustments. We appreciate the cooperation of faculty and staff in ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
Bagged dates will be available for students to pick up from the cashier's desk in Market 810 (upstairs Shafer).
- Students will simply need to inform the cashier that they are picking up a bag and must show their VCU ID.
- To ensure that dates will be available for all students who request them, there will be a limit of one bag per student per day.
Market 810 (Upstairs Shafer): Open until 10:30 PM Mon-Thurs and until 9 PM Fri-Sun.
- All the chicken served through the dining hall, except chicken nuggets from Ram's Grill, is halal.
- The burgers served at Ram's Grill are halal.
- There are a variety of vegetarian options throughout.
- To-go boxes are available at the cashier's desk.
Choolaah (Student Commons): Open until 9 PM Mon-Thurs, Saturday. Open until 5 PM on Friday; Closed on Sunday
- Halal chicken is served.
- Order ahead available on Grubhub.
Ram's Coop (Laurel & Grace): Open until 1 AM daily.
- Serves halal chicken tenders.
- Order ahead available on Grubhub
Ram City Market (West Grace Street): Open until 1 AM Mon-Thurs and until 12 AM, Fri-Sun
- Features staple items like yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fresh and frozen fruits & vegetables and a variety of additional snack and grocery products that can be purchased using meal swipes, dining dollars, Ram Bucks, credit/debit, and EBT
POD Market (Student Commons): Open until 9 PM, Mon-Sat, and until 8 PM on Sunday
- Features a variety of prepackaged snacks, drinks, and grab-and go-items.
Members of our community needing adjusted meal options at campus dining locations should contact Bryan Kelly with Aramark at kellybm@vcu.edu or kelly-bryan@aramark.com, or they could reach out to the registered dietitian, Quinn Taylor at dietitian@vcu.edu.