Delta College needs a mid-semester break to support student success
Recent studies show that 67% of college students in the U.S. identify finals, midterms, class workload and homework as major stressors impacting their academic success. This academic pressure, particularly during midterms and finals, is a significant factor in the decline of student performance in colleges nationwide.
“Sometimes it’s just crazy, then more crazy, then more crazy,” Delta student Eliana Muhazhiri said. “So, I think even just a couple of days where people can just rest and reset would be really helpful.”
Most large universities in Michigan and across the U.S. offer a two-day fall break in mid-October to help mitigate this stress. Delta, like most colleges, does not provide a fall break.
“I think when you are mentally healthy, when you are operating at your best wellness, then you do the best work,” Delta student Jalen Garrison said. “You can’t put out good work if you’re stressed all the time, you can’t write.”
But the burnout doesn’t just affect student performance; between creating lesson plans and grading assignments, teachers struggle to stay afloat as well. A two-day break allows teachers to catch up on grading projects and rest after midterms.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Education Research, “teacher burnout is associated with worse academic achievement and lower quality student motivation.”
Students felt stress negatively impacted their academic performance, and many Delta students felt that pressure builds as the semester progresses. Some students we interviewed were even willing to schedule additional days at the end of the semester to make up for lost time.
“I think they (students) would go for it still because I think they value that mid-semester break,” Delta student Guiseppe Pellerito said. “They value that chance to take that breather more than they do the chance to take a longer breather at the end. Because the only reason we need that week off at the end is because things are so stressful, and people are so burnt out.”
If the fall break were scheduled just before Thanksgiving, students would have a chance to travel home and see family.
“I don’t think there is a ton you would have to account for because I think you would know you have a break and would go further into the semester,” Delta student Elisabeth Kunz said.
As we progress into the semester, the mounting stress and workload can become too much to handle. Planning a mid-semester break at Delta could offer significant benefits for both students and teachers, from reducing stress to improving overall productivity and performance. By taking the necessary steps to incorporate a short break into the fall semester, Delta College has the opportunity to improve the well-being and success of its entire academic community.
