MSU Dubai changes academic calendar; some concerned

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Consistency and fairness — qualities some MSU representatives say seem to be lacking for MSU in Dubai in the details of religious observance, student governance and student tax-taking bodies.

Part of the concern involves the posted academic year calendar for MSU in Dubai that includes a university break for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan fasting for Muslims.

Roger Ludy, chairman of the University Committee on Student Affairs, said the biggest frustration is that students have been trying to include the break in a new religious observance policy at MSU’s East Lansing campus.

“Students have been pushing for this, and the administration went ahead and created a policy that’s different based on where MSU is located,” he said.

The policy in question is a draft of the MSU Religious Observance Policy, as proposed by ASMSU, which has been winding its way through the Academic Governance system for more than two years. The proposed policy would prohibit students from being penalized for observing any religious holiday. ASMSU is MSU’s undergraduate student government.

John Hudzik, MSU vice president of global engagement and strategic projects, said including Eid al-Fitr on the calendar signifies the university’s attempts to accommodate students and faculty in Dubai.

“We need to honor and respect a variety of cultures and beliefs,” he said. “MSU strives to be an inclusive university, both here and in Dubai.”

Eric Hinojosa, Academic Assembly chairperson, said the university has said it cannot institutionally recognize religious holidays, so establishing a university break for an Islamic holiday is problematic.

“If students seek to celebrate (Eid al-Fitr) or other religious holidays here they are penalized,” he said.

In order to acclimate to common practices, Hudzik said MSU in Dubai adjusted its weekly schedule from the United States’ standard Monday through Friday to Sunday through Thursday.

Other issues of concern include access to Judicial Affairs and student representation.

Ludy said he is concerned the administration will try to shape how student government is formed and considering what is most useful to administrators.

“(Students and faculty) weren’t included in decision making until after the fact,” he said. “Governance is slow and frustrating, but ultimately best for all parties.”

Hudzik said some of these issues are not formally resolved, but the goal is to get input from Dubai students and faculty and make the campus similar to its counterpoint in East Lansing.

“We will operate on the same basic principles there and here, and student government will have a very important part in Dubai as well,” he said. “The question is what is the best way to structure the institution in a way in which a strong student government will function in Dubai.”

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