The City University of New York left students fuming over missing their Spring Break as school leaders say adding a “recalibration period” is needed to get them better prepared for distance learning.
The university — which moved its classes online beginning March 19 out of necessity for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic — sent a notice to students Tuesday that it had shortened the beloved weeklong holiday to just three days, from April 8 to April 10.
The university, instead, will add a recalibration period from March 27 to April 1, which still needs approval from the board of trustees.
During the recalibration period, the university’s many campuses will purchase and distribute computer equipment to students who need it so they can participate in distance learning, the letter reads.
Faculty will use the time to hone teaching methods and instructional material to better teach students remotely.
CUNY chancellor Matos Rodríguez said the break’s shortening is needed as the coronavirus crisis has highlighted “disparities that stratify the higher education landscape” which ”have already begun to surface on our campuses.”
“We’re also asking teachers to grant extra flexibility to students who might have had limited access to laptops and tablets since the rollout of distance learning,” Rodríguez wrote. “My most sincere thanks to all the faculty and staff who keep the University going while facing disruption, fatigue and anxiety in their personal lives.”
However, students were alarmed by the “confusing” notice and raged about their shortened spring break online.
“CUNY really said f—k Spring Break. I knew this shit was gonna happen, we getting too many days off. Now we are too behind in terms of classes. Watch these professors start bulls—ting work,” user @Pendragon1095 tweeted.
Another Twitter user “knew” the break would be cut.