Taking a true break during the upcoming long weekend (for undergraduate students)

April 13, 2021
Suzy M. Nelson, Vice President and Dean for Student Life, 2016–2021 | Karen Singleton, Associate Medical Director & Chief of Student Mental Health & Counseling, MIT Medical | David Randall, Senior Associate Dean, Student Support & Wellbeing |

Dear students,

We are writing because the next long weekend is coming up and we want it to feel like a true break. We got a lot of feedback about the last long weekend. We hear you. We want to let you know what we’ve done and why.

President Reif and other senior leaders sent an email to faculty and instructors reminding them that this is a hard time. They said that the long weekends are intended to be a break. Instructors were asked to think about how they can reduce or remove the work due the week following the long weekend. They were also encouraged to reach out, acknowledge that things are difficult, express support, and ask how you are doing.

We want you to take the break! Walk away from your work; explore Cambridge and Boston in COVID-safe ways; enjoy some CP* activities; spend time outside with others. We know it is easy to feel like you are “supposed” to do work all the time, but resting, relaxing, and recharging really are important--all the time, not just on long weekends.

Please look ahead. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to make it a real break, please talk to someone in S3 so they can help you come up with a plan.

Sincerely,

Suzy Nelson
Vice President & Dean for Student Life

Karen Singleton
Associate Medical Director & Chief of Student Mental Health & Counseling, MIT Medical

David Randall
Senior Associate Dean, Student Support & Wellbeing