UK's New Fall Break Alters Academic Calendar
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2019) — In an effort to better support student health and wellness, the University of Kentucky will implement a Fall Break Oct. 21 and 22. University officials believe that having an additional break in the school year will improve academic success and personal well-being.
"A short break at the midpoint of the fall term provides UK students with the opportunities to decompress, rest, visit home and catch up on school work," said Associate Provost for Student and Academic Life (SAL) Greg Heileman. “Former SGA President Ben Childress championed the idea of a Fall Break last year. SAL collaborated with the SGA on this project as we concurred that such a break aids in promoting the mental health and well-being of our students."
To make room for the two-day break, classes will begin on a Monday instead of a Wednesday, impacting move-in and K Week. K Week will take place Wednesday, Aug. 21–Sunday, Aug. 25. Move-in will take place earlier than usual but will vary from student to student.
Fall Break will have no impact on the current Thanksgiving break and residence halls will remain open.
Although new to UK, a Fall Break is not unprecedented. It is reported that 65 percent of college universities institute a Fall Break.
Fall Break is only for the general university calendar. The university encourages professional schools to consider the addition of a Fall Break onto their academic calendar but respects that this effort should come from within their own programs.
For more information on the fall 2019 calendar, click here.