As a Catholic university, USD celebrates the many faith traditions represented in our community. The religious diversity of our students, faculty and staff contributes to the richness and beauty of our campus. We are committed to supporting Muslim students, helping you succeed and thrive in every dimension of your life.
If you are unfamiliar with being a part of a Catholic community or are new to the United States, there are aspects of USD that may seem confusing, overwhelming or unwelcoming. Please know that you are most welcome here! We are so happy and grateful that you are a Torero.
One of our University’s core values is human dignity. We know that a diversity of people, ideas, beliefs, languages and approaches to learning are essential to education and we affirm the dignity of each individual. These fundamental convictions ground our efforts to create a culture of respect and inclusivity.
This page provides a variety of resources intended to meet the needs of Muslim students. Here you can find out more about prayer and reflection rooms, Halal dining options, professor notifications, the Muslim Student Association, resource people and more.
If you don’t find what you are looking for here, please contact one of the resource people listed. They will be delighted to meet you and accompany you in securing the support you need.
Prayer and Reflection Rooms
Prayer and reflection rooms are available on campus to people from all faith traditions. Muslim students frequently use these spaces for their daily prayers. Simple prayer rugs are available in each.
In addition to the following spaces which are available year-round, additional rooms are typically designated for prayer during Ramadan.
Food and Dining
Halal food options are available through campus dining. In addition to a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, the Main Dining Room in the Student Life Pavilion offers a variety of Halal protein options at each meal. These include:
Breakfast
Soyrizo
Lunch
Tapenade: Chicken, Lamb and Beef
Sea Salt: Halal Beef Patty upon request
Heirloom: Pizza made with halal protein upon request
Dinner
Tapenade: Halal Chicken or Ground Beef upon request
Sea Salt: Halal Beef Patty Upon request
Heirloom: Pizza made with halal protein upon request
If you have questions or would like more information about Halal options, please contact Charles Ramos, Director of Dining Services, at cramos@sandiego.edu.
Dining Services is committed to offering hours that accommodate Muslim students’ Ramadan fasting. Main dining is open after sundown, until 9:00 p.m. In addition, during Ramadan students may request to-go meals to be consumed before sunrise and before our dining facilities are open.
Professor Notifications
Like all students, Muslim students will benefit from communicating intentionally, proactively and respectfully with their professors about their unique situation and particular needs. This is especially true during Ramadan.
While the decision on how best to respond to student requests for academic accommodations is up to each professor, USD professors strive to support the success of every student and typically are very receptive to conversations about how best to enable your academic progress as well as the practice of your faith.
In order to facilitate such conversations, the three email templates below can be used to communicate with your professors. Parts of each are highlighted in yellow to indicate that you will need to fill in these sections with the relevant information.
Please remember that emailing these to your professor does not guarantee a particular response; each professor has the final authority to make decisions about their class. Most often, and most helpfully, these emails are a starting point for a discussion with your professor about your needs.
- Template #1 – General
- Template #2 – Short version of Ramadan fasting
- Template #3 – Longer version of Ramadan fasting
Dear [PROFESSOR/INSTRUCTOR NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a student enrolled in your [COURSE NUMBER AND NAME] this semester. I am reaching out because I would like to talk with you about how best to succeed in your class while continuing to practice my faith as a Muslim. May I visit your office during office hours this week? Or is there another time when you are available?
Thank you.
[YOUR NAME]
Muslim Student Association
The purpose of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for both Muslim and non-Muslim students through education, community and worship. It is a social group for students on campus consisting of people from different origins, nationalities and cultures. MSA is a vehicle by which people on campus can learn about Islam and its beauty as well as a voice for the Muslim students on campus and for Muslims worldwide.
For more information about the MSA, please contact the President, Maria Cohen, at mariaemiliacohen@sandiego.edu.
Local Mosques
This partial directory is intended to serve as a resource for those looking for a Mosque nearby. However, it is not an exhaustive listing of mosques in San Diego and the inclusion of these congregations does not constitute a formal endorsement of them.
If you are in need of transportation to a mosque, please contact the mosque directly or the Office of University Ministry at (619) 260-4735.
Islamic Center Of San Diego
7050 Eckstrom Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 278-5240
Masjid Al-Ribat Al-Islami
7173 Saranac St.
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 589-6200
The Muslim Community Center of Greater San Diego
14698 Via Fiesta
San Diego, CA 92127
(858) 756-5100
Resource People
Navigating the USD campus can be confusing at times. The following individuals are available to meet with you to answer questions, provide information, help find additional resources or simply to offer compassionate listening. Feel free to reach out to any of the following people who are excited to get to know you and to do all they can to support you.