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Culinary Arts Program Dining

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-02-07
  • The Gateway and Manchester campuses each house culinary arts programs offering fine dining options to students, faculty and staff, and the local community.

    Learn more about each program's dining options by choosing from the campuses above.

  • Café Vincenzo at CT State Gateway

    CT State Gateway is pleased to welcome the public to our culinary program’s restaurant, Café Vincenzo. Touted as a “hidden gem” by Mara Lavitt of NewHavenEats, the café offers a gourmet meal with fine dining ambiance, while Gateway’s culinary students gain real-world work experience preparing for careers in the hospitality industry. 

    Location: South Building, Room 102
    Corner of George and Church. The south building is bordered by George Street (the best entrance for the Cafe), Church Street, M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, and Temple Street. The college validates parking for the Temple Street Garage, which has entrances on Crown and George Street. Guests must check in with security when entering the campus buildings (security validates parking tickets).

    Reservations

    Reservations are required. Reservation requests and questions can be directed to Will Stewart, Culinary Associate, gw-cafevincenzo@ctstate.edu203-285-2269. Please include your name, telephone number, the number people in your party, and the date(s) that you’d like to dine. Someone will confirm your request prior to your visit. Payment is due on the date of your visit.

    Buon Appetito!

    • Open Kitchen Meals at the Manchester Campus Culinary Arts Center

    • Our culinary students are cooking, and the kitchen’s open to the public! Join us at the CT State Manchester Culinary Arts Center for luncheons and dinners featuring a full-course menu of tantalizing, classic dishes. While our student “chefs-in-training” will wow you with their culinary skills, our wait staff of culinary arts and hospitality students will provide you with superior table service. We invite you to join our students as they learn and you enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal.

      Culinary Events

      Sabor - South Amercian Tour - A Gourmet Dinner

      Savor the vibrant flavors of South America at CT State Manchester’s annual Gourmet Dinner! Enjoy a multi-course meal crafted by Culinary Arts and Hospitality students. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program at CT State Manchester.

      Gourmet Dinner Registration 2025

      Follow Events Here

      Open Kitchen Meals

      Open Kitchen Luncheons
      Lunches begin at noon and are $18.91 per person, which includes Eventbrite fees.

      Open Kitchen Dinners
      Dinners begin at 7 p.m. and are $24.25 per person, which includes Eventbrite fees.

      Reservations for Open Kitchen Meals
      Reservations are required for all meals. All reservations must be placed through EventbritePlease continue to check Eventbrite for dates and meals.  

      BYOB Services
      BYOB services are available in our Open Kitchen meals to assist our students with hands-on training in beverage service.

    • Frequently Asked Questions About Dining at the Manchester Culinary Arts Center

      • Which food events at the Culinary Arts Center are open to the public?

        Our most popular public food events are our series of Open Kitchen meals, which are served in the dining room of our Culinary Arts Center during the fall and spring semesters. The meals feature a multi-course menu of classic dishes prepared by student chefs. Meals are served during the week and are scheduled to coincide with our students’ culinary arts classes. For a schedule of meal dates,  please visit Eventbrite. Please note that once reservations are closed, the meal will no longer be featured as an available option.

      • Are the Open Kitchen meals really prepared, cooked and served by Manchesters’s Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts students?

        Yes, Manchester's Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts students are responsible for preparing, cooking and serving the Open Kitchen meals at the Culinary Arts Center. Staging and executing these meals provides students with real-world, hands-on training, which is an integral part of our culinary arts curriculum. Chef instructors carefully coordinate and supervise all meals. Students plan the menus, purchase the food, manage their fellow classmates and serve you in the dining room. Students are evaluated and graded based on their ability to meet the standards we set as part of this learning experience. We appreciate and thank you for joining us and for contributing to this educational process by participating as guests at our luncheons.

      • What type of food is served at the Open Kitchen meals, and what is the cost?

        The Open Kitchen meals at the Culinary Arts Center typically feature a prix-fixe menu, a multi-course meal at a fixed price. Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts students plan, budget, cook and serve the meals.

      • How do I make dining reservations to attend the Open Kitchen meals?

        Guests can make reservations through Eventbrite

      • Are dining reservations required for the Open Kitchen meals?

        Yes, because of the popularity of our meals and the limited number of seats, we require that all guests make advanced dining reservations. In fact, we suggest that guests make their reservations as early as possible because most of the meals sell out quickly. We do not accept walk-in guests. Hospitality Manangement and Culinary Arts students plan, budget, cook and serve the meals based on advanced reservations. You may make dining reservations at Eventbrite.

      • When do you publish the dates, times and menus for the Open Kitchen meals?

        Our meals are served during the students’ fall and spring semesters (meals are not served during the summer). Dates, times and menus for our meals are made available to the public at the beginning of each semester (the first week of September for the fall semester and the first week of February for the spring semester). 

      • Once I have reservations for the Open Kitchen meals, how do I locate the Culinary Arts Center?

        All of our Open Kitchen meals are served in the dining room of our Culinary Arts Center, which is located on the second floor of the Student Services Center.

      • Do you offer Open Kitchen meals on weekends?

        We typically do not offer meals on weekends. Students attend classes during the week, and our meals are incorporated into our culinary arts students’ class schedules. What’s more, the majority of our students work at local restaurants, hotels and food service facilities on the weekends, which means many students are not available on Saturdays or Sundays.

      • Can I hire the services of your students or use your Culinary Arts Center facilities to host an event or function for my group or organization?

        We do not have the resources or the equipment to service private functions, such as weddings, but groups or organizations are welcome to contact us to discuss the possibility of making arrangements to tie one of your events or functions into one of our Open Kitchen meals or one of our catering classes. For more information about how you can tie your event or function into one of our Open Kitchen meals or a catering class, please refer to the questions below.

      • Can I reserve the entire dining room of available seats at one of the Open Kitchen meals for my group or organization?

        We invite you to contact us to discuss the possibility of using one of our Open Kitchen meals for the exclusive use of your group or organization. We conduct our meals to coincide with our students’ culinary arts classes; therefore, only certain days of the week are available. As expected, our menu prices are discounted for groups doing business related to the mission of our college.

      • Can you cater events on campus at the Culinary Arts Center?

        We cater a limited number of events on campus to coincide with our students’ catering classes. Similar to our Open Kitchen meals, this type of event has to be held during our students’ scheduled class times. The catering class meets one day a week. Each semester, the catering course alternates between day and evening classes. As part of the learning experience, students work with a local group or organization (their “clients”) and plan—from start to finish—a catered event, which is held in our Culinary Arts Center. Under the direction of a chef instructor, students assist their clients with selecting a menu and calculating the costs. Menus range from hors d’oeuvres only to a complete buffet meal.

      • I need a caterer to provide snacks for a meeting on campus. Can the culinary arts students prepare and cook for my functions?

        Our ability to provide this service depends on whether or not we can recruit enough students (paid or volunteer) to accommodate your request. The Manchester Student Hospitality Association is also a possibility for providing this type of service. We will do our best to accommodate your request.

      • Can you cater events off-campus?

        We do not cater private events held off-campus. We will occasionally cater off-site functions for State of Connecticut agencies and at state facilities. Overall, the department is not equipped to be an off-premise food provider.

      • How can I get more information about tying my event to your Open Kitchen meals or catering class?

        If you are interested in obtaining more information about the opportunities listed above, the department chairpersons, Kathy Kern or Ricardo Aragon, accept email requests from groups and organizations during the semester preceding the semester in which you are interested in hosting your event.

        Please contact either of the department chairpersons and include your name, the name of the group or organization, the estimated number of guests, several dates that would accommodate your schedule, and any other important information regarding your request. We look forward to receiving your request, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

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Guides for Creating More Equitable Environments for Students and Employees at CT State

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-09-16

CT State is committed to providing a safe, equitable and welcoming educational environment for all. The guides listed on this page are intended to provide information on how to support the diverse populations our college serves, while fostering greater understanding and empathy among our CT State community.

three students wearing hijabs work together on steps

Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Environment for Muslim Students at CT State

four students walk together

Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Environment for Transgender Students at CT State

transgender flag

Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Environment for Transgender Employees at CT State

rainbow flag with black square on top of it, reading in white letters

Designating a Preferred Name and/or Pronouns

map of CT with tribes overlaid

Guidance on Using the CT State Land and Indigenous Acknowledgement

multiracial group of smiling students

How to Support Students who are Immigrants, DACA Recipients, Refugees and TPS Holders

woman looks at man as they fill out paperwork together

Obtaining and Maintaining Disability Support Services

Should you have additional questions or would like more information on how to support members of our diverse community, please contact the Office of Equity and Civil Rights directly at: ctstate-civilrights@ctstate.edu.

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Early College and Dual Enrollment

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-01-13

Did you know that you may be able to earn college credit while still in high school? 

The Early College and Dual Enrollment program allows high school students to take classes online, at one of our campuses or even at their own high school! Credits earned may count towards both your high school diploma and college degree, giving you a head start on your higher education journey.

For more information, please contact CTState-DualConcurrent@ctstate.edu.

Video Transcript

Time Code Visuals Audio Transcript
00:00-00:06 CT State logo transitions to title "Dual Enrollment Upbeat music
00:07-00:20 Tunxis campus drone footage transitions to Alex Boylan walking on campus with CT State Provost, Karen Hynick. [Alex] When it comes to helping students get a jump on their education, Provost Karen Hynick knows the best way to meet students where they’re at and offer opportunities to start even before they graduate high school.
00:21-00:35 Boylan speaks directly to the camera, video transitions back to campus and then down to Alex and Karen walking. [Alex] While I was on campus this week, I caught up with Provost Hynick to discuss her plans to expand early access across the state of Connecticut. Check it out.
00:35-02:10 Shots of Alex and Karen walking through Tunxis campus transition back and forth with videos of CT State students on campus, in classes, studying etc.

[Alex] You know what I find fascinating is how many high school students are on these campuses.

[Karen] I know, it’s amazing. We have about 10% of our student body are dually enrolled. That means there are high school students taking college classes, usually on the college campus, getting earlier exposure to college experiences and saving time and saving money.

[Alex] Wow, how does a high school student qualify for the program?

[Karen] We’re very fortunate at CT State, eligibility starts as early as ninth grade.

[Alex] Wow.

[Karen] As long as the student meets the same prerequisite as any other student taking the class, they can take it.

[Alex] I wish I took college classes when I was in high school.

[Karen] Me too.

[Alex] So is it intimidating for the high school students?

[Karen] I mean, I think in some ways it may be, but really think about the demographic that’s first generation, right?

[Alex] Yeah.

[Karen] Students who didn’t grow up knowing how to navigate higher ed physically getting the chance to be on our campus, actually experiencing college classes, experiencing our services. It’s a game changer. They know they belong after coming through dual enrollment and that’s what the data says.

[Alex] It is a powerful program.

[Karen] It really is, and I could talk with you all day long about dual enrollment.

[Alex] Are you kicking me out?

[Karen] I’m kicking you out because I got a meeting I gotta go to, but I want you to hear from a student because they tell the story best.

[Alex] Okay.

[Karen] They’re inside our beautiful library.

[Alex] Okay.

[Karen] Her name is Ashmeet, and you can hear what her experience has been like.

[Alex] Thank you so much.

[Karen] Thank you so much for being here.

[Alex] All right. We’ll see you soon.

[Karen] See you soon.

[Alex] Thank you.

[Karen] Thank you.

02:11-03:31 Alex walks into Tunxis library and introduces himself to student, Ashmeet Kaur and then sits down next to her. She closes her laptop and they talk. The interview is interspersed with video footage of CT State student life and classrooms.

[Alex] Ashmeet?

[Ashmeet] Hi, Alex.

[Alex] Oh my gosh, it’s so nice to meet you.

[Ashmeet] So nice to meet you too.

[Alex] Oh, well, I’m so excited about this. What is it like being a high school student on college campus here?

[Ashmeet] Alex, it’s awesome. Being a high school student and being able to use all the resources that college provides such as this amazing library that we’re in, it’s really nice being able to talk to college professors and getting the whole college experience while I’m still in high school.

[Alex] It’s so incredible. So you’re in dual enrollment, where are you hoping that this program takes you in the future personally?

[Ashmeet] So in the future, first of all, I wanna say I’m really appreciative of CT State for providing sort of the foundation for my career. When I graduate, I’ll be walking out of here with nine credits, which is really beneficial because I’m applying to universities like University of Connecticut, Boston University, and Ivy League such as Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania. I feel like being here doing the dual enrollment program, it will give me a leg up in the college admissions process.

[Alex] Wow, you are so impressive. There are like millions of high school students that I bet are jealous you right now and if you’re one of those institutions, you have to accept Ashmeet. You are so impressive.

[Ashmeet] Thank you.

[Alex] Thank you so much for meeting up in this.

[Ashmeet] Thank you.

[Alex] It is really cool what you’re doing.

[Ashmeet] Thank you.

03:32-END Alex speaks directly to the camera with Tunxis campus behind him. [Alex] Gaining college credits even before graduating high school is what many students today are seeking to accomplish. You can really get a sense of the impact both on students’ lives and in the local region by incorporating these opportunities early in the educational journey. Thank you for sharing that with us, Dr. Hynick, and you too, Ashmeet, thanks again.

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

Concurrent Enrollment Teacher Orientation

CT State's 1st Annual Faculty Institute for New and Current High School Instructors of Concurrent Courses on June 18th. There is no cost for registration.

Register Here


SUMMITS

CT State Early College Summits will take place again this Fall from 9 AM to 2 PM. College and high school employees may register here for one of the following options:

  • Housatonic, Oct. 2
  • Capital, Oct. 7
  • Norwalk, Oct. 8
  • Gateway, Oct. 9
  • Quinebaug, Oct. 10

ORIENTATION

Admitted students received invites to August on-campus orientations. An asynchronous/remote orientation is available and required for all admitted high school students and their families (unless a student attended a campus orientation). Link posted in late August.

CONCURRENT/COLLEGE CAREER PATHWAYS CLASSES

  • Applications are due on September 25th for high school students taking CT State courses in the first semester or full year.
  • Admitted students pursuing CT State college credit must be registered by November 5th.
  • Students wishing to withdraw from their Fall course may submit a withdrawal form between November 6th and December 10th.
  • Fall semester final grades are to be submitted by high school instructors by January 30th.

FIND INFORMATION FOR:

High School Students and Families

School District Partners

INFORMATION FOR

High School Students and Families

What are the benefits of being a dual-enrolled student through CT State?

  • Early exposure to college-level courses and college expectations
  • Flexibility to take classes on campus, online and/or at your high school
  • Access to over 1,000 high-interest general education and technical courses that are geared toward career and transfer pathways
  • Courses taught by highly qualified faculty experts
  • Small class sizes
  • Classes may count for both high school credit and towards a college degree
  • Save time on earning a college degree by not having to repeat learning
  • Substantial cost-saving potential*
  • Free access to CT State libraries, tutoring centers, disability and accessibility services, student clubs, college events, advising, mental health and wellness counseling, and financial aid offices

*Save on your college degree by leveraging cost-effective dual enrollment courses and matriculating to CT State when you graduate high school, and use CT State's free tuition program to complete one of 300 college degrees or certificates when you graduate.

National research studies show that students who participate in dual enrollment are more likely to:
  • Graduate high school on time
  • Earn college credit and take college credit-bearing courses
  • Go on to post-secondary education directly after high school
  • Graduate college with a certificate or degree
  • Occur less or no student debt
CT State offers Dual Enrollment opportunities for high school students to earn college credit and be exposed to college-level learning. Below are guidelines from CT State's Dual Enrollment Policy (July 1, 2025). Please note that some programs may have additional eligibility criteria.

Dual Enrollment: CT State's (and CSCU's) Dual Enrollment Policies were approved on July 1st, 2025.

Connecticut high school students, home schooled students, and students enrolled in other types of secondary education level opportunities may access dual enrollment opportunities as early as 9th grade.*

  • They must have a minimum of a 2.0 High School GPA or equivalent (C average) to be eligible to apply.*
  • If they do not have a minimum of a 2.0 High School GPA, a school counselor, school administrator, teacher or academic tutor may submit a letter verifying rationale as to how the student would benefit from admissions to the program.
  • They must meet the same prerequisite course requirements as any other student taking the college course. This may include placement testing or other multiple measures (see ACME and placement related policies).
  • They must complete their application and attend a mandatory dual enrollment orientation facilitated by college personnel on the college campus, at their high school, or online prior to the start of the course enrolled in.
  • It is also recommended that a parent or guardian attend the mandatory orientation with the student.
  • It is recommended that the first course a dual enrolled student enrolls in is CCS 1001 College and Career Success.

*Please see eligibility criteria for the long-standing High School Partnership program

Dual Enrollment
(A former Board of Trustee policy in which juniors and seniors in the top 20th percentile of their class can take up to two courses tuition-free taught by CT State faculty in the fall and spring semester. (The student is a singleton taking a college course with CT State's traditional population on any of our campuses, online or through a hybrid approach. To be considered eligible, you must meet the same requirements as any other college student. These courses are tuition and fee-free but students are responsible for covering the cost of books.) Students apply using the dual enrollment student application.  

  • A course taught by CT State faculty to a cohort of high school students on campus or at the high school. (A flat rate of $10,000 is charged per 3-credit lecture course.) Students apply using the dual enrollment student application.

  • This is an opportunity for students to pay tuition for courses taught by CT State faculty where they are singletons. High school students wishing to self-pay and who meet the enrollment criteria for the course may enroll in CT State courses beyond those available in the programs listed. Students taking this route are traditionally non-degree-seeking.

  • Concurrent Enrollment
    (High School Instructor-led/High School-based)

    • A qualified high school teacher (recommended by the school and CT State) teaches a college course at their high school (no cost). Students apply using the dual enrollment student application and meet the same eligibility requirements as any other college student taking the same courses.

    • Concurrent enrollment courses that connect to a technical pathway and meet federal Perkins V funding guidelines.

    CT State Model Programs that Leverage Dual Enrollment

    • Middle college high schools are a national model, which co-locates a high school on a college campus and leverages a combination of high school partnership courses and concurrent enrollment courses to customize pathways for you to earn college credit while completing your high school diploma. Courses are offered at no cost to you or your family. You will benefit from being physically on the college campus with access to all of the college amenities and services once you are dual-enrolled. These partnerships are currently offered at Manchester (Great Path Academy), Three Rivers (Three Rivers Middle College Magnet High School), and Quinebaug Valley (Quinebaug Middle College High School).

    • P-TECH is a national model where you may take a combination of high school partnership courses and concurrent enrollment courses, mapped to earning up to an industry-recognized associate degree in information technology. You may take college-credit-bearing classes starting in the 9th grade. This option currently exists through a partnership between Norwalk Public School and the Norwalk campus.

    • Gateway to College is a national model, where students complete their high school diploma on the CT State Gateway campus through a partnership between the local school district and the campus, and is tuition and fee-free to participating students. Through this program, you will take college courses mapped to complete your high school graduation requirements while earning college credit toward an associate degree. You must meet the same eligibility requirements as any other college student taking the same courses.

    • CT State offers a number of ways you may leverage competencies earned through additional experience or coursework other than through taking college courses. These include recognition of exam scores from Advanced PlacementCLEPInternational Baccalaureate and Dantes (DSST). It also includes recognition for industry-recognized credentials through ACE.

    If you're a high school student interested in one of our programs, inquire with your school counselor on the best route to obtain college credit. You may also contact our recruiting staff for more information CTState-AdmissionsRecruitment@ct.edu. 

    INFORMATION FOR

    School District Partners

    Campus Contacts

    Concurrent Course Planning

    Teacher Credentials and Curriculum Review

    High School instructors who operate as the instructor of record need to meet the same requirements as faculty who teach at the college in the discipline (master’s degree in field, master’s in education with 18 graduate credits in field, or for technical pathways have a terminal degree in field with occupational employment recency in the field). 

    Concurrent Enrollment Teacher Application

    Please initiate course planning by reaching out to the campus contact listed.

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    Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Environment for Muslim Students at Connecticut State Community College

    • Temp Last Modified: 2024-04-05

    A Guide for Faculty and Staff

    This guide was prepared to foster inclusive and equitable learning environments for Muslim students and to provide culturally appropriate services to Muslim students. Note: These guidelines outline general Islamic beliefs and practices. Individual application of these observances may vary.

    What is Islam?

    Islam is a monotheistic (one God) religion. It is an Abrahamic faith; it shares a heritage with Judaism and Christianity. The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic word “peace.” Islam means “to submit [to God].”

    Articles of Faith in Islam

    1. The One God
    2. The Angels (e.g., Archangel Gabriel)
    3. The Revelations/Books/Scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Qur’ān)
    4. The Prophets/Messengers of God (including but not limited to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jonah, Zechariah, Jesus son of Mary, and Muḥammad, the last Prophet (peace be upon them))
    5. The Day of Judgement
    6. The Decree of God (i.e., predestination)

    Five Pillars of Islam

    1. Declaration of Faith (Shahādah), which is “I testify that there is no god except God and that Muḥammad is His Messenger.”
    2. Prayer (Ṣalāh)
    3. Fasting (Ṣawm)
    4. Charity (Zakāh)
    5. Pilgrimage (Ḥajj)

    Learn About the Muslim Faith

    • Prayer

      Daily Prayer

      Muslims are required to pray five times a day—before sunrise, around noon, mid-afternoon, at sunset, and at night. Before prayer, Muslims are required to wash their hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, ears, and feet with clean water. This is called Wuḍūʾ. Each prayer takes about 5-10 minutes to perform. Prayer may be performed in any quiet and clean place. During prayer, Muslims stand, sit, bow, and prostrate to God, facing Mecca. They are fully engaged and cannot respond to phone calls or conversations with the exception of emergencies. Others should not walk in front of or interrupt Muslims during prayer.

      Friday Congregational Prayer

      Muslim men are required (optional for Muslim women) to attend Friday congregational prayer called Jumu‘ah. (Friday congregational prayer is to Muslims what Sunday service is to Christians.) It generally takes place at a Mosque (Masjid) during the noontime prayer and includes a sermon. The duration of Jumu’ah is 45-90 minutes.

    • Holidays

      Ramaḍān and Eid al-Fitr

      Ramaḍān is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijrī) during which Muslims are required to fast from break-of-dawn to sunset. Fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-restraint from eating and drinking, among other activities. It is also a time to empathize with those who are poor and hungry and to promote good manners. Fasting becomes an obligation when a boy or girl reaches puberty. Certain Muslims are exempt from fasting (e.g., travelers, pregnant women, and ill persons). Fasting does not mean that Muslims cease to work or study, although they may be fatigued and sleep-deprived during Ramaḍān. Eid al-Fitr, one of the two Islamic holidays, marks the end of Ramaḍān. (Eid al-Fitr means “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”) Muslim students may take time off from school to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. There should be no undue penalty for this religious obligation.

      Eid al-Adha

      Eid al-Adha (i) commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (peace be upon them) in obedience to God and (ii) marks the end of the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Ḥajj) to Mecca. (Eid al-Adha means “Festival of the Sacrifice.”) Muslim students may take time off from school to celebrate Eid al-Adha. There should be no undue penalty for this religious obligation.


      During the two Islamic holidays described above, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Festival,” and “Eid Kareem,” which means “Generous Festival.”

    • Pilgrimage

      Muslims are obligated to make a spiritual journey or pilgrimage (Ḥajj) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if they are able to do so. Performing the rituals of Ḥajj may take five days (travel durations vary) during the last month (Dhul Ḥijjah) of the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijrī).

    • Dress Code

      Islam commands Muslims to behave and dress modestly, especially when a boy or girl reaches puberty. There are a number of ways in which Muslims express such teachings. The most notable attire are as follows:

      • Muslim women often wear a headscarf called Ḥijāb.
      • Muslim women sometimes wear a face covering called Niqāb.
      • Muslim men sometimes wear a small round cap called Kufi.
      • Muslim men and women sometimes wear long tunics or robes.

      These articles of clothing should not be prohibited in any dress code policies.

    • Cross-Gender Interaction

      The human body is regarded as sacred (i.e., a gift from God) in Islam; therefore, certain social measures are taken to protect it. Below are select norms among Muslims:

      • Most Muslims do not give hugs to or physically embrace unrelated persons of the opposite sex.
      • Some Muslims shake hands with unrelated persons of the opposite sex; others view it as prohibited. Muslims may place their right hand over their heart and greet you instead. Tip: Wait until a Muslim extends his or her hand to you first. Otherwise, do not shake his or her hand.
      • Muslims may or may not co-mingle with or sit or stand in close proximity to unrelated persons of the opposite sex. Tip: Let them choose. Don’t take it personal.
      • Some Muslim men and women may not make direct eye contact with unrelated persons of the opposite sex.
    • Dietary Restrictions

      The Qur’ān prohibits the consumption of alcohol, pork, and pork byproducts (e.g., gelatin). Muslims can eat herbivories; not carnivores. Many Muslims follow standards of slaughter and preparation of meat and poultry called Ḥalāl. (Ḥalāl is to Muslims what kosher is to Jews.) Tip: Choose a vegetarian option when catering to Muslims.

    • Social Events

      Some Muslims are reluctant to take part in social gatherings or events at which alcohol is served (e.g., Happy Hour). These students should not be penalized for not participating in such convenings.

    • Personal Hygiene

      Muslims are required to wash their private parts with clean water after using the bathroom. This is called Istinja’. If a bidet is unavailable, they may use a water vessel or bottle to do so.

    • Islamic Finance

      Charging or paying interest is prohibited in Islam. Muslims may or may not accept interest-bearing student loan debt. Scholarships, grants, work-study, full payments, and payment installment plans with no interest are acceptable forms of funding.

    smiling Muslim man and woman

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    • What’s the difference between Islam and Muslim?

      A person who practices Islam is a Muslim. They could be any race, ethnicity or nationality.

    • What’s the difference between Muslim and Arab?

      Muslims follow Islam as a religion. They comprise diverse cultures and languages.

      Arabs could be Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze, etc. They have a shared culture and language.

    • What's the Muslim population size?

      Islam Around the World

      • Islam is the world’s second-largest religion (approximately 1.8 billion Muslims in 2015).
      • Arab Muslims are a minority of the global Muslim population.
      • The largest Muslim-majority country is Indonesia:
        1. Indonesia
        2. Pakistan
        3. India
        4. Bangladesh
        5. Nigeria
      • Islam is a global religion with followers all over the world.

      Source: Pew Research Center

      Muslims in America

      • In 2017, there were approximately 3.45 million Muslims in America (1% of the U.S. population).
      • Muslim Americans are one of the most racially diverse religious groups in the U.S. split as:
        • 25% Black or African American
        • 24% White
        • 18% Asian
        • 18% Arab
        • 7% Multiple Races
        • 5% Hispanic/Latine

      Source: Pew Research Center

      Muslims in Connecticut

      Approximately 375 in 100,000 of the CT population (3,552,821) are Muslims (2021).

      Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/muslim-population-by-state

    Thank you to the CT State Muslim and Arab Affinity Group for the information provided on this page.

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    Net Price Calculator

    • Temp Last Modified: 2024-05-03
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