As a freshman at Schreiner University, one of the biggest appeals of this school was the unique structure of the academic calendar. Many of my peers and I valued the extended breaks that appeared to be supported by a school that understood the needs of its students. We would brag to our friends at other universities about our two-month long winter break and the amazing feeling of being done with finals and spending the holidays fully invested in the present moment. 

When the rumors of change first started circulating, we disregarded them. "Schreiner would never take away one of its best traits," we thought. Other schools were considering adopting our academic calendar, Schreiner had it figured out. Until it didn't. 

There was no announcement and no consultation with the larger student body. It seemed the people at the top motioned for change and snuck it right under our noses. Universities are meant to cater to the needs of their students, to foster an environment where students thrive academically, personally, and socially. Scheiner University's disregard for the opinion of its students has changed my perception of my school. Not only was this change implemented in a sneaky manner, it overlooks many consequences that come with the abolishment of the extended winter break. Scheiner is demanding its students spend twice the travel costs, twice the gas money, twice the plane ticket fees; whilst also cutting into family time, job, and internship opportunities. Students must take on twice the travel risks, traffic incidents, and stress of traveling right before finals. 

Scheiner has taken a step backwards, and we must act to convince our university to return to prioritizing student safety.