book and tea

Term Break Resources

Take time to reassess, reach out, and recharge this term break.

The health and wellbeing of our campus community is a priority at the University of Calgary.

In 2017, General Faculties Council approved a Fall Break being added to the 2018-19 calendar in recognition that term breaks are critical aspects of how we support student wellbeing and good mental health. Students are encouraged to use the term breaks to support their wellbeing in ways that are aligned with their individual needs.

The General Faculties Council-approved term breaks are designated weeks during the Fall and Winter terms where standard class schedules and academic assessments are not scheduled.  These breaks are periods of time that are intended to be free of compulsory academic events and assessments for students and are aligned with our Campus Mental Health Strategy and our strategic areas of focus. It is important to note that students may have practicum work, clinical placements, or internships during the term breaks. In these cases, classes and/or academic assessments maybe need to be scheduled during term breaks.

The Fall and Winter Term Breaks are published in the Academic Schedule found in the University of Calgary Academic Calendar.

Students

Making the Most out of Term Break

As the semester ramps up towards final exams, it can be easy to get swept up in the current of papers, projects, and readings. However, term breaks are an excellent time to do some forecasting for the rest of the semester – and beyond!

Below you’ll find resources to help keep you on track for the rest of the semester, connect you with supports, maintain balance, and forecast for a successful year ahead.

Rex with a life saver

Thrive Priority Support Network

Have you received an email from a member of our academic support team? This is part of our Thrive Priority Support Network outreach. We connect with students who are experiencing difficulties during the the semester, in order to connect them with the right supports at the right time.  

Self-Help Mental Health Videos

Each semester, students navigate deadlines, balance their workloads, and prioritize numerous competing demands. Whether things are going smoothly or feeling more challenging than you would prefer, it's a good idea to check in with your mental wellbeing.

Student Wellness Services offers a number of excellent Self-help videos on topics such as coping with stress, planning a sleep schedule, and confronting perfectionism.

Student with backpack and thought bubble

Exploratory Advising

Term break can be a time for reflection - Does my current degree match my goals? Do I want to add to my degree with a minor or an embedded certificate? What are my options?

If this sounds familiar, consider meeting with our Exploratory Advising Team to discuss how to add additional value to you degree and finding the major that is the right fit for you!

Term-Break Workshop Intensive Series

Wondering what do during term-break? Want to excel with your academic writing?

Writing Support with the Student Success Centre will be hosting online writing workshops on February 22, 23, and 24 from 3:30 – 4:30 pm.

Join us for each workshop to learn core academic writing skills in only 3 days. Topics include: Structuring your paper, writing academically using sources, and making final revisions.

Register for workshops on the SSC Events/Workshops calendar. 

Featured workshops

View more term break workshops and other events

Resources

Keeping on Track

A week without classes is a great time to pause and consider “what do I need to be successful for the rest of term?”

Connect with the resources below to help make sense of your to-do list.

Checking in with Supports

This is a great time to reflect on your habits and be honest with yourself. Ask yourself what’s gone well this semester and what you’ve learned about your abilities as a student. If you feel like something needs to change but are unsure of where to start, consider some of the supports listed below.

Balance and Self Care

Term break may be a time to catch up on class work, but it’s also an important opportunity to recharge and reconnect to avoid burnout.

Looking Ahead

While you may be catching up on academics (and sleep!) during term break, this time can also be used to look ahead to the rest of the year – and beyond!