Can An Instructor Assign Homework During The Spring Break?

Homework assignments can be a challenge for teachers, especially during spring breaks. Some students argue that it is unnecessary to assign extra work or assignments during these breaks, as it allows students to take a break from their academic responsibilities. However, some teachers choose to assign more homework than usual the week before spring break, which can be a time for students to take a break and focus on their studies.

To avoid this issue, it is important to announce due dates early and recognize that the syllabus may have been overstocked. Many students disagree with assigning homework over breaks, arguing that winter or spring break should be a time for family time rather than schoolwork. Teachers should encourage students to take a break after weeks of hard work and not focus on their schoolwork.

In some cases, professors may assign homework over breaks without emailing the professor. The only way a professor can require work to be completed during spring break is to assign the work on the Friday before spring break. In a March 10, 2022, release, the Provost stated that students should not have tests and assignments during the week of spring break.

Overall, homework over breaks can help students avoid regress and retain the material they learned before the break. Homework will not be assigned over extended vacation periods like Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring vacation, and homework cannot be due on Mondays. It is crucial for teachers to prioritize their students’ well-deserved breaks and ensure that they are given the opportunity to take care of themselves and their students.