University of Delaware Considers Changing Spring Break Schedule

Officials at the University of Delaware are considering an alteration to the school’s spring break schedule, according to a report from the Associated Press. The change would make the school’s break align with the breaks of other colleges in the area. The potential scheduling change comes after Willem Golden, a freshman student from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, died at an off-campus party in March. 

The University of Delaware has typically held its spring break after St. Patrick’s Day, which means that students are on campus during the holiday. Many colleges hold their spring breaks during the week of St. Patrick’s Day. The News Journal of Wilmington reported that students from other local colleges who are on break go to Delaware for parties.

Provost Domenico Grasso, who is responsible for student life at the school, announced the proposed change in April. Grasso told the Journal that a committee of university officials, representatives from the student body, Newark officials, and a local business owner are weighing the changes, which won’t affect the upcoming school year. He also said that he had heard of Delaware becoming a “destination school” for students from other schools on break, but that he was already considering moving the break before Golden’s death, which he called a “significant tragedy.”

It’s unclear when they will reach a decision.