University considers extended Nov. break

Members of the Administration are currently discussing the possibility of lengthening the University’s Thanksgiving Break in the future. This proposal was an agenda item at a recent Director of Undergraduate Studies meeting.

Joshua McIntosh, Dean of Academic Services, commented on the plans for this possible change in the academic calendar.

“We are very much in the early stages of exploring this idea,” McIntosh wrote in an email to The News-Letter.

He explained that no plans have been finalized, and the idea is under review as he and members of Homewood Student Affairs and Undergraduate Studies consider the effects that this decision might have on various aspects of the University.

“We are thinking through the potential implications of not having Homewood undergraduate classes during Thanksgiving week,” McIntosh wrote.

Although possible ramifications are currently being evaluated, McIntosh expressed the initial reasons behind the idea of extending Thanksgiving Break.

“I can share with you that what has motivated the discussion has been an interest in trying to find a way in which to offer students more of a break before returning to campus to finish papers and take exams,” McIntosh wrote.

Sophomore Ginny Rogers was in favor of the decision but remained skeptical that a longer Thanksgiving Break would not adversely affect other aspects of the University calendar.

“For me finishing finals in a timely fashion is more important than having more time off,” Rogers said. “If this decision would lead to other scheduling changes and pushing exams back, then I would not want it.”

McIntosh explained that the idea is still largely under discussion and deliberation. At this time, no concrete schedule or timeline has been determined for the realization of this plan.

“There continue to be conversations about this matter and I expect these discussions to continue from now through the summer,” McIntosh wrote.

Sophomore Megan Carney agreed with Rogers’ sentiments and does not believe the time off would be detrimental to classes.

“I would love if we had the full week off because I would get to spend more time with my family. We wouldn’t miss that much work by missing one or two more days of school.”