For 2008 spring break, The University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College students will celebrate their vacations two weeks apart. The difference in the spring break schedules for USF and HCC could create a problem for students who are dual enrolled. Two students currently dual enrolled at USF and HCC were asked how the differences in the spring break schedules would affect their plans. George Clark, 21, a marketing major at USF is currently dual enrolled at HCC Brandon campus. Clark has no plans for this spring break because he knows that while one school celebrates, the other still has classes in session. "I may do something on the weekend but other then that I’ll still be in class," said Clark. For Andrea McDaniel, 23, studying premed at USF and is also taking a class at HCC Brandon campus, the different spring break schedules does not create a problem for her. "I planned to audition for Disney on Ice during one of the spring breaks. It’s only one class that I’ll be missing so I don’t have to worry very much," said McDaniel. According to school official, Ken Ray the schedule conflicts are not purposely done. The final decisions regarding the academic calendar comes from the Department of Education in Tallahassee, Fla. The Department of Education considers dates of graduation, whether schools have classes starting in the middle of fall and spring semesters, as well as staff advisory. Ray, chairperson on the committee of academic calendars said, "Tallahassee board has been trying to get all colleges’ spring breaks to line up within the same week but right now it’s difficult. Rick Boyd, advisor on the USF academic calendar board had this to say, "Spring break is dictated by the starting date of the spring semester. The Department of Education looks at the day classes start and then counts the number of weeks the school must be in sessions before spring breaks are scheduled. Ray confirmed the schedule making process for HCC as well. The number of weeks school must be in session before spring break is scheduled is unclear at this time. The rules that universities and colleges must follow are governed by the Florida Administrative Code 6A1.019. How are instructors plan-ning to handle the absence of students during spring break? If students inform Antoine Hardy, an instructor for the Communications department at USF that they have plans for spring break at HCC, he might show little leniencies. "It depends on the student’s performance in my class. I may consider being lenient," said Hardy.
HCC, USF duel for spring break
Published: Monday, February 25, 2008
Updated: Monday, September 28, 2009 10:09
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