Cause Of Delayed Spring Break Return Time Confirmed To Be Linked With Saint Patrick’s Day

January 22, 2019 Kaitlin Gawkins

University officials told Flyer News in a statement that the 3 p.m. return time from spring break on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) is due to the events that transpired last year on St. Patrick’s Day.

This year’s week-long spring break begins on March 8 at 6 p.m. and ends on Sunday, March 17.

Usually, students are permitted to return to campus at 8 a.m. on the last Sunday of break. The rules for spring break emailed to students on Jan. 15, however, do not allow most students to return to campus until 3 p.m. on March 17.

University officials said the later return time is due to last year’s St. Patrick’s Day, which resulted in the arrests of four UD students and the hospitalization of one after large crowds had to be broken up by riot police on Lowes Street.

“Because of the dangerous situation that happened on St. Patrick’s Day last year, the University felt moving the move-in time to 3 p.m. would create a safer environment for our returning students and their families.”

The news that most students are blocked from being on campus for the majority of St. Patrick’s Day elicited a strong reaction on social media.

When Flyer News tweeted our initial article reporting the spring break rules, it received more replies, all of them disagreeing with the university’s decision, than any of our articles this year.

Student Government Association (SGA) President Bryan Borodkin sent an email to university officials relaying student concerns about spring break, such as how the 3 p.m. return time will impact their travel plans.

Certain students will be able to apply to stay on campus during spring break. This includes those who live more than 400 miles from campus, students participating in a co-op or internship, student teachers, student employees with a minimum work commitment of 20 hours and student athletes.

Students who stay, however, may need to relocate, as not all campus housing will remain open. This is not uncommon. Students who stayed on campus during any part of this winter break also may have had to temporarily relocate.

The Jan. 15 email said the university will be “securing all residential spaces during [spring break].” According to university officials, “Students who return to their residences early without approval will be in violation of the student code of conduct.”