The Deparment of Academic Records at Hofstra University continues to keep its campus open during National holidays, such as Columbus Day and Veteran's Day, causing complaints from its students.
Students at Hofstra University get off for other national holidays, such as President's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and some Jewish holiday's. "If Hofstra can give us off for for other national holiday's, we should have off for Columbus Day and Veteran's Day," said Jaclyn Yashar, a junior at Hofstra University.
According to Trudy Cucciniello, Dean of Academic Records at Hofstra University, it wouldn't be possible to begin the fall semester after Labor Day if students were given off for Veteran's Day and Columbus Day.In the past Hofstra's graduate and undergraduate students would begin classes at different times, causing confusion amongst registration. Hofstra students also had to take final exams after winter break.
In the 1980's the Calendar Committee revised the Academic Calendar, initially listing the holidays the University should observe. After a few years Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day were added onto the list.As a result of the change in the calendar, undergraduate and graduate students can begin and end classes at the same time.
Cucciniello further stated, "Hofstra needs to meet the N.Y. State Compliance Laws, and in order to do that we can't give students any more days off."
Hofstra's Fall and Spring semester's each consist of 15 weeks including final exam week. A typical three credit class must spend 2,250 minutes in session. According to Cucciniello, the number of class meetings should be consistent. However, there are conversion days to make up for the lack of inconsistency.
"I understand Hofstra's reasons for not giving us off certain National holidays," said Ariel Goran, a sophomore at Hofstra University. "However, I don't agree with Hofstra's reasons, because I have friends at other Universities that get off for Columbus Day and begin and end each semester at the same times as us."
According to Cucciniello, the University can't adjust the calendar to overcome students' complaints. The calendar is prepared two to three years in advance in order for the bulletin to be published. "We need to get the information more than one year ahead of time," said Cucciniello. "There are athletic events and academic conferences that rely on the bulletin."
"I agree with the system and think it is fair," said Cucciniello. "Besides, very few businesses observe Columbus Day and Veteran's Day."
Hofstra Doesn't give off for Columbus Day