Thanksgiving break at Columbia College Chicago definitely falls short. While other schools like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign enjoy a full week off, we’re stuck in a weird limbo of two days off in the middle of the week, the other days burdened by classes that students often skip anyway. It’s time for Columbia to extend Thanksgiving break to a full week, for the benefit of not just students but faculty and administration as well.

First, let’s be real: Hardly anyone shows up to class on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. This drop in attendance isn’t unique to Columbia. Professors often spend those days holding catch-up sessions or showing films because students have already mentally checked out. Instead of wasting resources on empty classrooms, the college could lean into the future and give everyone the break they clearly need and want.

But this isn’t just about skipping class, it’s about mental health. Finals week hits hard and fast right after Thanksgiving. Students are scrambling to finish projects, cram for exams and meet end-of-semester deadlines, leaving little room to breathe. Finals and midterms accounted for the top source of stress for 31% of U.S. students. Class and workload were third at 23% while homework placed fourth at 13%. A longer break would give us time to recharge, spend meaningful time with family or friends and return to campus ready to finish finals. The mental reset would do wonders for students juggling academic and personal pressures, especially during an already stressful time of year.

Faculty and administrators would benefit, too. According to the same article, 35% of higher education professionals share the same predicament. A full week off would allow professors extra time to grade, finalize lesson plans or simply take a much-needed breather before the chaos of finals and panicked emails from students. 

For administrators, fewer students on campus for a week means reduced operational costs, less energy use in buildings and fewer resources spent on keeping the campus running. It would be a smart move, especially given all the cost-saving measures the school has been implementing. This is one that everyone can get behind, and it would also help boost school spirit.

A policy change like this wouldn’t just be a feel-good decision; it would align with Columbia’s values. The college prides itself on being a creative, student-focused environment, yet we’re behind the curve compared to other colleges that prioritize wellness through longer breaks. A full Thanksgiving week off would show that Columbia is serious about supporting its students and faculty, not just in words but in action.

Let’s make this happen. By giving everyone the time and space to rest and recharge, we can create a more productive and focused end-of-semester experience for all. After all, if no one’s coming to class anyway, why not make it official?

Copy edited by Trinity Balboa