Current graduate students

In Canada, we celebrate Asian Heritage Month during the month of May, an initiative introduced in the 1990s and made official by Senator Vivienne Poy in 2001. The Asian population of Canada has established itself over the past two centuries, adding to Canada’s rich diversity across the provinces.  

The Government of Canada’s theme for Asian Heritage Month 2025 is: “Unity in Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity”. This theme recognizes the profound and enduring ways in which Asian communities have helped shape Canada’s social fabric. From the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway by Chinese labourers in the1880s, to the election of Douglas Jung as the first Chinese Canadian Member of Parliament in 1957, to trailblazing figures like Adrienne Clarkson, the first Asian Canadian Governor General.

Ramadan will begin on February 18 or 19 in 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. Many members of the University of Waterloo Muslim community are observing this month of fasting and prayers.

What is Ramadan/ Ramzan about?

Ramadan/ Ramzan is a sacred month for the Muslim faith, where those observing it refrain from any food and water from dawn to sunset. This would translate to 11.5-to-13.5-hour long fasts (accounting for the varying sunrise and sunset times through the course of this month). Muslims dedicate the month (which can be 29 or 30 days long) to fasting, charity, spiritual reflection, seeking forgiveness and bonding with community. They often engage in long late-night prayers. Most people understand that Muslims may be a little low on energy during the day, but most don’t know that they also might be sleep-deprived.

Fostering belonging and inclusion for the Muslim community on campus

In keeping with University of Waterloo’s values of inclusivity and working together, here are some practices that foster the feeling of belonging within the Muslim community on campus.

Today marks International Pronouns Day, an annual event that raises awareness on the importance of respecting and using individuals' chosen pronouns. Observed on the third Wednesday of October each year since its inception in 2018, the day encourages the proper use of pronouns and their role in affirming identities to create an inclusive society.