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Breaks & Transportation
What are the breaks from school?
Sewanee runs on a semester system, and there is a major break between terms (semesters). The calendar provides an idea of the dates for this break, although a student’s final examination schedule determines when he or she is able to leave at the end of a semester. It is not helpful, but is hurtful, to encourage your son or daughter to leave at the end of a semester when he or she still has final examinations scheduled. This period is often critical to a student in closing the semester successfully.
In addition, there is a Fall Break, which is short, and a Spring Break, which is longer.
Fall Break was instituted at the request of student organizations and administrators responsible for student life who felt that a short break was needed between the beginning of the academic year in late August and the Thanksgiving break. Many students travel home or visit friends, but a number of students remain on campus to study, read, and relax. This is an appropriate time to explore more fully Sewanee’s beautiful natural setting.
Spring Break consists of 10 days during the Easter semester when most students do leave the campus.
The residence halls are open during Fall Break and Thanksgiving, but all students must leave for winter vacation and Spring Break.
How can my son or daughter get home on vacations?
Students are expected to make their own arrangements for travel to and from their homes for vacation, keeping in mind the rule against missing classes on the day immediately before or after a vacation.
For a small fee, the University provides shuttle service to the Nashville and Chattanooga airports at specified times before and after the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Breaks. Students must reserve a place on the van by signing up at the Bishop’s Common desk—931.598.1201.
Shuttle Schedule
If our times are not convenient, then try Groome Transportation, passenger van service, 7 days a week from Chattanooga to Atlanta and Nashville airports with stops in Monteagle. Local shuttles by reservation, 24-hour reservation line, phone 1.800.896.9928 for more information or reservation information.
Do students need a car?
No. Although automobiles provide a convenient means of transportation to and from Sewanee, students are able to move about the campus quite comfortably on foot or by bicycle. All students are required to register their cars ($40 registration fee). Parking on the main campus is restricted to certain areas. Possession of a car at Sewanee is a convenience, not a necessity. Students in outlying dormitories usually walk or bike to class. No dormitory is more than a 5-7 minute walk from any academic building on campus.
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