How Long Do Most Colleges Get Off for Thanksgiving Break?
Thanksgiving is a significant holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, and colleges and universities often provide a break for their students during this time. Typically, this break lasts around four to five days, though it can vary from institution to institution.
Standard Thanksgiving Break Schedule
Most colleges start their Thanksgiving break on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and extend it through either Sunday or Monday. For instance, if Thanksgiving falls on November 28, a common schedule might look like this:
No classes from November 27 (Wednesday) to December 1 (Sunday) Classes resume on December 2 (Monday)In your example, a break from November 26 to December 8 seems more extended than the typical Thanksgiving break. Some institutions might have a longer fall break or a reading week that coincides with Thanksgiving. It is always advisable to check the specific academic calendar of the college in question for accurate dates.
Off-Campus Experiences
I have attended college as a student and worked at two different universities as a staff member. In both experiences, the break typically spanned from Thanksgiving Day through Sunday, with classes resuming on Monday following Thanksgiving. However, some professors might have specific schedules for mid-term exams or other end-of-term activities, providing additional breaks.
Historical Variations
Many years ago, during the “Oil Embargo” in the early ‘70s, a significant number of colleges were off from Thanksgiving until just after the new year. They did this to save on heating costs. Nowadays, the breaks might vary slightly, ranging from Wednesday to Monday, with some institutions possibly extending their breaks further into December.
Current Practices
Most colleges stop classes around noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and return on Monday. While there isn’t any official extended break, professors often use the week following Thanksgiving for mid-term exams or other end-of-term activities. This can provide an additional week of break for students.
In my current experience at a local college, we get time off Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after for an official break. However, professors often schedule mid-term exams the week of Thanksgiving, meaning students only have their regular classes on Wednesday and Friday. This gives them a substantial break thereafter. For instance, this semester, my professor administered the final exam online, with the last class being on Thursday. There were no classes until mid-January, providing about a month of break during the holidays. This generous break period is particularly beneficial for students with young children, as they can spend more time with them.
While these practices can vary widely, understanding and following your college's specific academic calendar is crucial for managing your break schedule and preparing for upcoming exams or activities.