Thursday, October 23, 2003

Fall Break I will be away from Princeton during the week of Oct 27-31, pursuing what my employer calls Fall Break. At the mid-point of the semester, fall and spring, we suspend classes for a week and most of the campus empties. This custom dates from the early 1970s, when students at many US schools became incensed over expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia. Princeton students petitioned for time off from classes, in order to go home and help elect new members of the Congress, who would presumably change the course of national foreign policy. Over 40 schools adopted the "Princeton Plan" for a mid-term break, and the custom still survives here 30 years later, not because it has any effect on national politics, but because students and faculty enjoy a week off from each other. Some stay on campus and catch up on their sleep or work; while others hit the road for research and fun. Me, I'm headed for Nashville, to visit with my mother and sister. It will still be early fall down there; and I am looking forward to the trip! 12:02:18 PM    comment []

© Copyright 2003 William Howarth. Last update: 11/6/03; 10:45:32 AM.