During the fall semester, SUNY Oswego canceled all breaks as part of their COVID-19 plan. While this is a great idea for the safety of the community and the student population as it discourages travel this proved to be horrible for the mental health and academic performance of students. Working 16 weeks straight without a single break is extraordinarily stressful ask during an already stressful time. Students who have learned in person their entire lives are struggling to adapt to the online learning format and professors are struggling to adapt their teaching styles as well. During a normal semester if a student were to get bogged down in work they could use the break to catch up and even make some headway in future work without having to worry about the next assignment. Breaks allow professors much needed time to complete grading and provide feedback to students. 

It is understandable that SUNY Oswego wants to discourage travel, however, the mental health of students needs to be taken into account not just our physical health. We the students want some time to decompress during these stressful pandemic-ridden times. Research has been conducted on the importance and benefits of mental health days. Whether it is a full week or a few days scattered throughout the semester we just ask for some time to breathe. Breaks increase productivity and quality of work while taking stress off of students and professors. Our ask is simple, add breaks/days off to the spring semester in 2021.