I think everyone can agree that the semester is long, and with only a few scheduled days off, and when one is taken away it makes school that much harder.
According to the A&M System Web site, the state legislator determines how many days off schools in Texas receive. The number is generally between 12 and 15 days and the days chosen are determined by each school’s administration.
Although the school has given us numerous days off, it seems odd to me that a day as commonly celebrated as Labor Day would be the removed from schedule. It’s early in the semester, so I can see why it seems like students don’t really need the time off, but I feel having Labor Day off sets the tone for the rest of the semester.
We have the first week of school, which is usually fairly easy, but it is difficult to get back into the swing of things. Labor Day allows an extra period of rest. It gives students a little extra perk so they are able to recover from a week of classes and waking up early.
Now obviously the only way to fix this issue in the future is to take away one of the current scheduled holidays.
I recommend in the future the administration reinstate classes on July 3. I understand taking this day off adds to a break in the middle of a long summer, but students take classes in the summer with the knowledge that the semester will be fast paced. Considering the amount of students in class is significantly larger in fall classes, it seems that the greater good would be to have Labor Day off.
One good thing the administration offers is a full week off for Spring Break. Most universities take two or only one day off in March, but our school gives us the entire week. Still, I think students should have both the full week of Spring Break and Labor Day off.
It is important to get as many class days as possible but it is equally important to have time off so students can keep working throughout the semester with out burning themselves out.
As I see it students deserve the time off and as far I am concerned Labor Day is day that should be celebrated for years to come. So please, bring on the barbecue.