General Academic Year Break Information

F&M has four break periods during the academic year

• Fall Break (early-mid October): usually a Saturday-Tuesday

• Thanksgiving Break (end of November): usually Wednesday-Sunday

• Winter Break (mid-December through mid-January): in between semesters

• Spring Break: one week in early or mid-March

Check the College’s Academic Calendar for specific dates that mark the beginning and end dates for breaks Many students travel during break to visit family, friends, or they coordinate with friends to vacation F&M is unique in allowing international students to remain in their residence halls during any or all of these break periods Please note that registration is required

What to know about staying on campus during breaks

• Students will be asked to register for approval to stay for each break to ensure access to their building

• Depending on the break, the College may not be fully operational, including administrative offices, mail services, and libraries

• Public Safety is still available 24/7 during all breaks . Officers will patrol the campus and residence halls . They are available to address questions or concerns that arise Their direct number is 717-358-3939

• Your meal plan will not work during breaks, and the main dining hall is shut down . A break-specific meal plan is usually offered for an additional cost There is always an additional cost to staying on campus over breaks - please plan for this

• College House kitchens are usually closed, however the Lancaster Loop shuttle usually makes regular trips to local stores and food options that are not within walking distance

• For Thanksgiving and winter breaks, the College may offer a special gathering with a meal, usually hosted by the President

• Students cannot host off-campus guests in their rooms overnight during breaks .

• The Student Wellness Center is closed

• Remaining on campus is a privilege . Students are expected to be considerate to those around them and to the custodial staff, who are on a modified schedule as well

For students who leave Lancaster during breaks

If you are planning on traveling during a break, it is best to schedule travel for the day after the final exam period ends This is because you will not know your final exam schedule until late in the semester The College operates shuttles to and from certain airports during the breaks

You may choose to leave the US during an extended break . To re-enter the country, you must have the following:

• Passport: valid at least 6 months beyond your reentry date

• Valid F-1 Student Visa

• Your most recently issued I-20 A signature on page 2 is valid for re-entry for one year from the date signed, as long as you are still in your program For example, if the signature is dated 4/15/2023, you can reenter the US with that signature until 4/14/2024

• Financial Documentation: whatever you used to apply for your I-20 (bank statements, employer letters from your sponsors, Financial Aid letters)

An important reminder: never travel with your Social Security Card!

Summer Break

Students who stay on campus over the summer usually do so to conduct research, take a class, or work Students without a specific purpose can NOT stay in the dorms over the summer Be aware that the College is not fully operational during the summer and course offerings are limited Summer housing, meals, and other living expenses are an additional expense, and financial aid is not available .