Should professors cancel classes during Thanksgiving week? – The Famuan

Thanksgiving break is the time of year that many students look forward to. It is a time for college students to see their loved ones that they have not seen in months. It is also a time for students to relax and take a break from academics.   

Some universities give students an entire week off for this holiday, while others only have half off. Students who attend prominent universities come from different places around the country. The amount of time students are given for this break can result in scheduling issues for some students who live long distances.   

“Professors having classes during Thanksgiving week can throw off student’s transportation plans. I plan to visit my family in New York, and it is already hard to get a decent-priced plane ticket during the holiday season, so having class up until the last minute results in scheduling conflict,” said Sorenity Hayes, a third-year criminal justice student.   

At this point in the semester, some students may feel drained and mentally checked out, feeling like a weeklong break is needed. After students return from this break, they reach the final weeks of the semester and final exams. This break allows students to relax and not have to stress over schoolwork.   

“I fully believe that students deserve a full academic week for Thanksgiving break. After a long semester, students may experience academic burnout. Having a week off would benefit students as it would give them more time to spend with their loved ones and time to relax before taking final exams,” said Danica Daus, a second-year cardiopulmonary student.   

However, professors may feel that class time is essential and need to use it efficiently as a counterclaim. As a result, they may choose not to cancel classes. While some may stay to attend classes, some students may still choose to leave early. Students who live long distances may have to spend the break at their university because they need more time to go home.  

“Under our system, I don’t think students deserve a week off for Thanksgiving. It isn’t easy to facilitate learning if students know they have a week off before the final week of classes and then a week of final exams. It’s hard to say if it’s ‘essential’ to have class over Thanksgiving break. Ideally, at that point in the semester, you want to ensure students grasp any final lectures, exams or projects. Any extra time to guarantee that is invaluable, even if it falls during Thanksgiving break,” said Professor Fowler.   

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together and spend time with one another. College students look forward to returning home and enjoying family time over the holiday break.