Do Colleges Have School on Presidents‘ Day? An Expert Educator‘s Comprehensive Guide
As a higher education policy researcher and longtime university administrator, one question I always get around mid-February is: "Do colleges cancel classes on Presidents‘ Day?" With the federal holiday coming up on February 20th, 2023, let‘s explore the typical college schedules that Monday, from the perspective of an expert in the field.
We‘ll dive into:
- The origins and civic significance of Presidents‘ Day
- Statistics on college open vs. closed statuses
- Public vs. private school approaches
- 10 tips for students with the day off
- And more key insights for parents and students!
So do colleges have the day off? Read on to discover the educational policies and best practices around Presidents‘ Day.
Why Do We Have a Presidents‘ Day Holiday?
First, it helps to understand the history behind Presidents‘ Day. Initially created to recognize George Washington‘s birthday on February 22nd and later expanded to include Abraham Lincoln (born Feb. 12th), officially consolidating their two birthdays into one federal holiday in the 1970s demonstrated national unity.
George Washington deserves honor as the U.S.‘s first president – commanding the Continental Army in the American Revolution, presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and setting precedent for future leaders.
Meanwhile, Abraham Lincoln led the nation through the Civil War. His Emancipation Proclamation and push to abolish slavery exemplified moral courage. Both presidents steered America through incredibly challenging times.
Commemorating their birthdays allows citizens to reflect on core values like courage, leadership, and civic participation central to our democracy. For colleges, Presidents‘ Day offers a chance to educate students on American history and the duties of engaged citizenship.
By the Numbers: Most Colleges Stay Open
Per statistics from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, over 80% of colleges and universities remain open and hold classes as usual on Presidents‘ Day. The holiday generally does not warrant major changes to academic calendars.
However, some smaller subset of schools opts to close. For example, data from Peterson‘s College Search found that in 2022:
- 12% of reporting private non-profit colleges closed
- 3% of public colleges closed
- The remainder held classes and regular operations
So while the majority stays open, there is some minor variation in closures, mainly among smaller private institutions.
Public vs. Private College Approaches
We can dive deeper into the differences between public state schools and private colleges:
| College Type | Typical Presidents‘ Day Policy | Example Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Public (state) | Remain open with regular class schedules | Penn State, Ohio State, University of Michigan, UCLA |
| Private (non-profit) | Mixed policies, some open and some closed |
Open: USC, Syracuse, Vanderbilt Closed: Occidental, Sarah Lawrence, Lafayette College |
| Private for-profit | Mostly remain open | University of Phoenix, DeVry University |
While private schools have greater leeway in calendar modifications, public institutions obligated to state legislatures generally keep classes running even on federal holidays. Students should verify with their individual college‘s published academic calendar.
10 Ways for Students to Enjoy the Day Off
Luckily, whether your classes fall on Presidents‘ Day or not, there are productive and fun ways to spend a day off from the hectic college grind. Here are my top 10 suggestions as an educator:
Get Academic Tasks Done
📚 Complete assigned reading & annotations
🖥️ Write that 8-page paper you‘ve been avoiding
📝 Study for midterms coming up
Tend to Personal Needs
💆🏽♀️ Destress with a yoga class or massage
🛏️ Catch up on sleep
🚿 Do chores like laundry
Foster Community
🗣️ Video chat with relatives
🍝 Cook a meal for your dorm neighbors
👯 Plan a fun evening with friends
Explore Independently
🏞️ Find a new hiking trail to enjoy nature
🏛️ Check out a local history museum exhibit
🎵 Discover new bands and podcasts
Get Shopping Deals
🛍️ Buy dorm room essentials on sale
👟 Upgrade your spring wardrobe for less
💻 Grab a new laptop, tablet, etc at low prices
Mix and match to balance productivity and fun. Squeezing relaxation around continued classes leads to better academic performance. The break ultimately allows students to refocus with renewed motivation.
Key Takeaways for Parents and Students
To wrap things up, what should students remember about college schedules on Presidents‘ Day weekend?
🔼 Most colleges and universities continue holding classes – expect attendance and assignments as normal.
🔽 A small portion of generally smaller, private campuses may close or limit operations. Verify your campus‘s plans.
📆 Use your free time (if you have it) to catch up on work, de-stress, spend time with friends, explore local sights, shop sales. Find balance!
🗓️ Professors – enjoy your well-deserved break if given one! And if you are teaching, discuss the civic significance of Presidents‘ Day when classes meet.
We all must remember that while Presidents‘ Day began as celebrating leaders like Washington and Lincoln, it evolved into honoring all those who served the nation as president – their ambitions, morals, and human flaws. We can learn from both great and inadequate leaders.
Let the holiday inspire your academic studies, community involvement, and dedication to honesty, empathy and creating a just society. Our presidents have shaped generations of Americans – including today‘s college students. Understanding that complex legacy helps brighten the future.