Fanshawe College students are questioning whether the two-day fall study break gives them enough time to prepare for upcoming coursework and tests.
A post in the Fanshawe College Parents Group on Facebook raised concerns about the lack of time off. The parent wrote that her son brought the matter to her attention and questioned how it could be considered a full week, and the shorter week could leave students with less time to study for exams the following week.
Fanshawe’s 2026 fall academic calendar lists the study break as Oct. 8 and 9, followed by Thanksgiving Day on Oct. 12. The college’s academic policy defines a study week as time intended for students to complete coursework and prepare for mid-term examinations.
“I have six courses, so I feel like one week isn’t really enough to prep for tests,” said pre-health student Mariyah Najmi.
Mariyah Najmi, pre-health, year 1, Photo: (Torey Joseph Legarrie),
Fanshawe College is one of two post-secondary schools that don’t have a full study week in the Fall. The reason why, is because Fanshawe wants to keep a “clean caladnder” for the academic year.
Photo: (Torey Joseph Legarrie)
Some professors say that students are still taking time to adjust.
“At this point in time, we’re just a few weeks into the school year,” Said Steve Young, coordinator and professor for journalism multimedia.
“It obviously will be ramping up as you get closer towards the Christmas break,” he said.
Steve Young, coordinator and professor, journalism – multimedia, Photo: (LinkedIn)
Young said students can use the break to work ahead and prepare for upcoming assignments and tests.
“This is that opportunity to try to look into what is coming down the road and to be prepared for it,” he said.
Some students believe two days is not enough.
“Talking about mental-health, a longer break will definitely help me prepare my assignments and have more time to study” said computer and analysis student Alejandro Mora.
He says two days is too short to catch up on schoolwork. He said a longer break could give students more time to study and make him feel more calm mentally.
Alejandro Mora, computer and analysis, year 1, Photo: (Torey Joseph Legarrie)
Both students said having additional time away from classes could allow them to focus specifically on studying and completing assignments.
Fanshawe’s fall term began Sept. 8, with fall exams scheduled for Dec. 14 to 21.
Below is the full interview.
