Short Breaks

Many students require short breaks. This allows the student to have time to attend to their personal needs. These breaks are meant to be short, approximately 5 minutes or less, but can vary depending on what is discussed by the student and instructor.

There may be times when a break is not reasonable. For instance, a student might not be able to take a break during presentations or a particular activity without significant disruption to learning. In these cases, the instructors should notify the student in advance so the student can plan accordingly. 

Key Things to Know

  • Short breaks may not be reasonable when participating in course activities where timely participation is vital such as presentations, performances, or time sensitive course/lab work.
  • Short breaks may be taken within the classroom space or outside of the classroom space. What is appropriate for a specific class should be determined by the student and the instructor.
  • Short breaks are not intended to alter any course attendance policies.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for…

  • Meeting all student accommodation responsibilities. 
  • Connecting with instructors to talk about how breaks will work in the class including what to do if a longer break is needed.
  • As needed, communicating with instructors about the type, duration, or frequency of breaks.
  • Leaving for, returning from, and taking breaks in a non-disruptive manner.
  • Promptly returning from breaks.
  • Maintaining academic integrity at all times.
  • Meeting all attendance requirements of the course.

Common Questions

expand all

This accommodation is not meant to alter designated course times or attendance policies. Students are responsible for attending classes as scheduled. If the student has an emergency that requires them to be late or need to leave early, then that should be clearly communicated to the instructor.

Students are required to notify their professors if they plan on leaving the classroom for the course period. The student and instructor should discuss what to do in this instance including how to communicate this need.