From Deseret News archives:
Y. students weigh pros and cons of spring break
But for students at Brigham Young University, watching college kids blow off steam on MTV is about as close as they'll get to a spring break of their own.
The private school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't give its students a week off in the middle of its spring semester. School officials say it probably never will, either.
"Our schedule does not accommodate it," said Carri Jenkins, BYU spokeswoman. "We have two summer terms and Education Week."
Having two summer academic sessions isn't uncommon at American universities. Many schools, like the University of Virginia, have as many as three summer sessions by extending the amount of time spent in class each day during those terms.
BYU's Education Week, which is a series of classes and religious presentations open to the public, occurs each summer. Omitting a spring break from the schedule allows the spring semester to end a week or two earlier than most schools.
Becky Gay said she would go home to Ripon, Calif., if she had the week off from classes. Instead, she's studying for midterms.
"It's a tough question, getting out early or having the spring break," Gay said. "I like both, but right now I wish I was on break."
Other students, however, say they don't mind studying while other college students are relaxing at a beach.
Erik Hulme said he'd be "bored" if he had a "whole week off."
Some students are just hoping to make the best out of BYU's schedule.
"Right about this time I'd like a break," said Rebecca Rees, while studying for three midterms and a 12-page paper. "But getting out early gives me more time to earn money."
That time, of course, is relative to the length of a summer break. BYU's fall semester begins the first week in September.
School officials said that students could have an advantage in applying for jobs and internships by ending classes earlier than other schools, although it is not the only school to end classes in April. The University of Michigan, which gives its students a spring break, graduates its students on the same weekend as BYU.
"Everyone wants internships during the summer months. It's easier to get one in the spring," said Catherine Parker, a senior majoring in advertising.
But, Parker said she is also studying for midterms and daydreaming about her home state of California.
"Winter semester can get very stressful," she said. "It would be so nice to have a break to recharge my batteries."
