OFFICIAL COLLEGE BREAKS

The fall and spring breaks are one-week long periods of no classes, which roughly split the 14-
week-long semesters into two. Faculty and students appreciate this time off and use it to relax
after the midterm exam period (most midterms are administered the week before break).

Q: Are students expected to leave campus during fall and spring breaks?

A: Students may use the time as a vacation or to do research, catch up with academic
projects, or just keep working if they have on- or off-campus jobs. Therefore, they can choose
to leave campus or stay here.

Q: Can students eat in the dining halls during the breaks?

A: All on-campus dining facilities are closed during the breaks. Students can cook in their
residence hall kitchens or eat downtown.

Q: Is it safe for my daughter to stay on campus during the breaks?

A: It is perfectly safe for students to stay on campus. About 10% of the students who live
on-campus choose to stay during the breaks. A higher number of students who live off-campus
(i.e., upperclassmen) choose to stay here too, as well as most of the international students.