Making travel plans can be difficult, and this information will help you in organizing your plans and transportation. Below is information from the staff at the Center for International Education about how you can travel to and from campus or perhaps to begin your trip during a campus break. 

Campus Shuttle Service

The Dean of Students' office provides shuttle services to train stations, bus stations and airports at holiday and break times. This service is only available with a reservation made seven days in advance. Please see their schedule found here.

Trip Opportunities

The Center for International Education and other clubs and organizations from around campus will organize opportunities for you to travel away from campus.  Check your email for messages from the Center for International Education and the Daily Announcements regularly to see what trips are coming up that you can get involved with.    

Where to Go/Stay

Information to help you in selecting a destination and choosing your accommodation for any trips that you are planning.  Take notice of the recommendations and suggestions from other students as they share experiences from their own trips about where to go and where to stay.    

Campus Breaks

College residence halls may close during Thanksgiving Break, Semester Break and Spring Break. Break housing is available for a small fee. You must sign up through Eagles Nook if break housing is needed. You can leave your things in your room during breaks. You don't have to take your stuff even if you aren't here. Students cannot arrive late for the semester or depart the semester early. Any requests must be approved by the Dean of Student's Office. 

2026-2027 Campus Break Schedule:

Fall Semester:
Fall Break: Saturday, October 17th through Tuesday, October 20th.

Thanksgiving Break: Saturday, November 21st through Sunday, November 29th.

Fall Final Exams: Sunday, December 13th through Thursday, December 17th. Final exam schedules will be posted here.

December Departure: You must leave campus within 24 hours after your last final exam or by the morning of Friday, December 18th at the latest. You WILL NOT KNOW your exam schedule until after the fall semester has started. If possible, you should delay making travel arrangements until you know your schedule.

Spring 2027:
Return Date: You can return to campus on Monday, January 18th.

Spring Break: Saturday, March 6th through Sunday, March 14th.

Spring Final Exams: Sunday, May 9th through Thursday, May 13th. Final exam schedules will be posted here.

May Departure: You must leave campus within 24 hours after your last final exam or by the morning of Friday, May 14th at the latest. You WILL NOT KNOW your exam schedule until after the spring semester has started. If possible, you should delay making travel arrangements until you know your schedule. Students cannot arrive late for the semester or depart the semester early. Any requests must be approved by the Dean of Student's Office. 

Semester	Dates	Break	Campus Facilities
August 2026	Sunday 8/16	New international student arrival date	The campus is open for new international students to complete orientation and onboarding activities.
August 2026	Sunday 8/23	Returning student arrival date	The campus is open for returning students
August 2026	Monday 8/24	First day of classes	The campus is open.
October 2026	Saturday 10/17-Tuesday 10/20	Fall Break	Students can remain on campus or travel. No Dining Services are available.
November 2026	Saturday 11/21 - Sunday 11/29	Thanksgiving Recess	Students can remain on campus or travel. Students must sign up for break housing with the Campus Life Office. No Dining Services are available.
December 2026	Sunday 12/13- Thursday 12/17	Final Examinations	The campus is open.
December 2026 - January 2027	Friday 12/18 - Monday 1/18/2027	Winter Recess	THE CAMPUS IS CLOSED. Alernate housing may be available through Campus Life for a fee.
January 2027	Wednesday 1/13	New international student arrival date	The campus is open for new international students to complete orientation and onboarding activities.
January 2027	Monday 1/18	Returning student arrival date	The campus is open for returning students
March 2027	Saturday 3/6 - Sunday 3/14	Spring Recess	Students can remain on campus or travel. Students must sign up for break housing with the Campus Life Office. No Dining Services are available.
May 2027	Sunday 5/9 - Thursday 5/13	Final Examinations	Students who are not graduating must leave the Residence Halls by Friday 5/14 or within 24 hours after their last final exam.