By Kylian Galtier / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College used to have two breaks during the fall semester. The first one was the fall break, which took place in October. Students and professors had Thursday and Friday off, creating a four-day weekend. The second break was Thanksgiving break, which took place in November. That break gave students three days off, from Wednesday to Friday.

However, since the 2024-25 academic year, fall break no longer exists, and Thanksgiving break has been extended to a full week off. For some students, this full week of break is the opportunity to travel or to prepare for their final exams. 

Freshman Matheo Socquet-Clerc said he appreciates having extra time in November.

“Having nine consecutive days of break during the Thanksgiving break is great because I think we can do a lot of things,” he said. “I do not know if I will travel or if I will stay on campus and review my classes, but nine days is good because it allows me to do both.” 

But for some students who stayed on campus, it might be a long week with too much free time and without any activities or classes. 

Sophomore Tomas Ayapé said shorter, more frequent breaks might be more beneficial.

“Staying on campus during the Thanksgiving break without any physical activity and without classes is too long,” he said. “I would rather have 4 days of break in October and 5 days during Thanksgiving. It would be more useful for students. We would be more rested.” 

Another issue with this new schedule is that there is a long stretch of time between the beginning of the semester in August and Thanksgiving.

For students like Hunter Graham, a sophomore at MVC, the timing of breaks can make the semester feel longer than it is.

“I feel like a whole semester with no break until the Thanksgiving break is exhausting,” he said. “I personally do not need nine days of break two weeks before the final exam, but I would be happy to have more breaks through the semester, even if they are shorter.”  

This new system presents both advantages and disadvantages for students. This year, Thanksgiving break will take place in November, from Monday, Nov. 24, to Friday, Nov. 28.