As a multitude of syllabi scattered across student desks at the beginning of January, the idea of a fifteen-week semester with no breaks loomed ahead; but wait, Feb. 25 and March 24 appeared marked as a “Recharge Day” – a break from the Zoom conferences and class.
Back on Sept. 23, UF issued a statement that the university would not observe Spring Break 2021, which would have been March 6-13. In exchange, UF extended winter break by one week, delaying Spring semester to Jan. 11.
“The change was made in consultation with UF Health for the purpose of making the spring semester as successful and healthy as possible,” the statement read. COVID-19 safety is a top priority, especially with in-person classes occurring this semester.
Days to reset, renew and relax are set for Feb. 25 and March 24, offering students and faculty a break mid-semester on a Thursday and Wednesday.
“We selected these dates because they take place mid semester and are not adjacent to any other holidays or major deadlines,” Sara Tanner, Director of UF Marketing and Strategic Communications wrote in an email.
Gator Recharge Days intend to provide students with a well-deserved break, according to Tanner. However, not all courses include these days off.
“Typically, the academic calendar is set multiple semesters in advance,” Tanner wrote. “Given our time frame for establishing this initiative, it is not a requirement, but highly encouraged.”
In addition to students, faculty also need some time to recharge. Although these days off are not mandatory to include in their syllabi, professors, like Dr. AJ Jung, incorporated the recharge days and feel that they will benefit both staff and students.
“I think not only is it important to have a break, but it’s important to have a break planned out, so people look forward to it,” Jung said. “Mental health these days is very important. People need that break.”
UF administration encouraged faculty to take the two days off in an email sent Dec. 21. “Promoting balance and supporting students’ holistic wellness is a primary focus for this spring Tanner wrote.
In addition to the Gator Recharge Days, the university seeks to promote wellness among students through new programs and initiatives.
“We are creating new programs and initiatives to enhance the student experience and opportunities to help you make connections,” Dr. D’Andra Mull, UF VP for Student Affairs, wrote in an email.
New programs such as educational and skill-building opportunities are available. This includes a new course on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
While addressing the wellness of students in the email, Mull shared news of launching an enhanced traffic enforcement program called Gator STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program), following the loss of two students within the last month from traffic accidents.
As UF students continue to learn in the evolving world of this pandemic, the university focuses on promoting student wellness in unprecedented times.