UWinnipeg first in Manitoba to introduce week-long fall break
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg Senate has endorsed in principle a week-long break in the middle of the fall term to allow students uninterrupted time to study and de-stress, a first in Manitoba. Beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year, UWinnipeg will implement a Fall Reading Break, consisting of one week, to coincide with the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
“We recognize that our students lead busy lives and that time off mid-semester will help them to recharge,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Many universities across Canada have made this a part of the academic calendar, so when our students brought this forward, we were prepared to offer our support.”
There will be no academic days lost as students will make up the time. Classes will begin on the Tuesday after Labour Day, instead of the Wednesday. There will be one “study day” in between the end of classes and start of exams instead of two. Additionally, one or two Saturdays can be utilized during the exam period. Therefore no teaching days will be lost.
“I’m thrilled that the University of Winnipeg will be setting a positive example as the first university in Manitoba to introduce a full week long fall reading break,” said Peyton Veitch, President, University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. “Allowing students to recharge and decompress during a hectic time of year is part of fostering a holistic approach to mental health and wellness on campus.”
“A week-long break in the middle of the fall term will undoubtedly alleviate some of the stress that is felt by students later in the term,” said Dr. Danny Blair, Acting Dean of Science & Principal of the Richardson College for the Environment “It should, therefore, translate into a more positive and successful experience, especially for first-year students who often need some time to adjust to the demands of the university schedule”.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
