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Should Mount Marty University’s Spring Break Be the Week Before Easter?

Every spring, students and faculty at Mount Marty University face the familiar hustle of mid-semester classes, looming exams, and—hopefully—thoughts of sunshine, rest, and a break from routine. But there’s one question that keeps popping up in classroom chatter and campus conversations:

“Should our spring break be scheduled the week before Easter?”

It sounds simple, but there’s more to it than just flipping a week on the academic calendar. Let’s unpack the pros, cons, and broader campus implications of this idea.

The Case for Scheduling Spring Break Before Easter

1. Aligning with Faith Traditions
For many students and faculty, Easter isn’t just another Sunday—it’s a meaningful religious observance with services, family gatherings, and spiritual reflection. Placing spring break just before Easter could allow the Mount Marty community’s Catholic identity to be honored more fully. Students wouldn’t have to rush back from break in time for Holy Week or miss important celebrations.

2. Better Family Time
Easter gatherings often involve travel and extended family traditions. If students don’t have time off the week before, they might miss out on meaningful experiences because they have classes or exams.

3. Sync With Other Schools
A lot of high schools and regional universities schedule their break around Easter. Aligning Mount Marty’s calendar with others could make travel easier and reduce conflicts for families with students across institutions.

4. Mental Health and Timing
By the time Easter arrives, many students are feeling worn. Placing spring break closer to the emotional and spiritual high point of the season might give students the chance to return refreshed and better prepared for the final stretch of the semester.

 But There Are Downsides to Consider

1. Academic Scheduling Challenges
Switching spring break to the week before Easter could push major assignments or exams into conflict with students’ travel plans. Professors might need to rethink pacing, and some programs—especially those with clinicals or internships—may struggle with rearranging key deadlines.

2. Weather & Campus Life Timing
In South Dakota, early spring can still be cold and gray. Some argue that an earlier break doesn’t give enough time for warmer weather to arrive, which students often look forward to during their week off.

3. Tradition and Momentum
Changing the calendar isn’t as simple as flipping dates. Faculty, staff, athletic teams, and campus events are all tied into the academic rhythm. Adjusting one piece affects the rest.

 So… Should Mount Marty Make the Change?

There’s no one right answer, but here’s the takeaway:
If Mount Marty’s priorities include honoring its faith-based heritage, supporting students’ family and travel needs, and encouraging a balanced academic experience, there’s a strong case for placing spring break before Easter.

However, any calendar shift would need careful planning, open dialogue with campus groups, and a willingness to adapt academic structures.

 Final Thought

Calendar decisions might seem small, but they shape the rhythm of campus life. A well-timed spring break can boost morale, deepen community connection, and provide students with the space they need to grow—spiritually, academically, and personally.

What do you think, Mount Marty? Should spring break jump to the week before Easter? 

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