This year's Spring Break may have students trading in their typical tequila shots for Passover Manischewitz and that tan beach bunny for the Easter one. Beginning March 31, Spring Break 2007 appears to be an anomaly in comparison to other Wisconsin campuses and colleges across the country, which brings with it a laundry list of problems for students and Madison citizens alike.
Perhaps the most significant issue with the spring semester's nine-day vacation is its possible effect on Madison's spring elections, which happen to coincide with break. Many of the candidates, especially Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, rely on UW-Madison students and faculty whose participation in the election is now jeopardized.
Also, many city officials find the timing of vacation disconcerting as it may cause a break in the rising pattern of student voting in past elections. The university is encouraging the use of absentee ballots and has promised to promote awareness of the issue.
In addition, Spring Break may bring about several other problems for UW-Madison students. Although university officials have cited this vacation's placement as a benefit for those who wish to observe the holidays, many may not look at this so fondly. Those who wish to go to a sunny beach during their time off may be forced to head home instead by nagging parents who wish to spend time with their children during the holidays.
Furthermore, with the men's basketball team's success this season and the possibility of going far, if not all the way, in the NCAA tournament, students may be upset to learn they will not be on campus for this critical and exciting time. Although any Wisconsin sports fan would wish success for the basketball team, one could not help but feel regret and remorse if he or she missed the rare opportunity to celebrate with fellow Badgers.
Another peculiarity is the relatively small amount of time left in the spring semester after the completion of break. Students will find themselves with about a six-week period between the end of vacation and the last day of final exams.
Although most students probably will not complain about this small fact, it does beg the question as to why the period between winter vacation's end and Spring Break's beginning must be so long (about nine weeks). Perhaps a more evenly spaced allocation of class time would be easier on students' schedules and more beneficial for the city of Madison.
With all these problems, students may be wondering what they actually have to look forward to over Spring Break. Students and faculty members who would normally participate in the spring elections should still do so through absentee balloting.
Those who are going home for the holidays should look on the bright side and appreciate this rare opportunity with their friends and family. Students who are upset about not being at a State Street bar for the Final Four can ship a six-pack of Spotted Cow and some Wisconsin cheddar home before vacation and remember to wear their red and white proudly from the comfort of their homes.
Finally, for the rare few upset about the spacing of vacations this semester: Make your six-pack for the Final Four a five-pack when you are feeling overwhelmed. Everyone, however, can look forward to the next few years of Spring Break that are already scheduled to be during more normal time periods.
