For full-time doctoral students on twelve-month research and teaching appointments in the sciences and related fields, the period between the fall and spring semesters, as well as the summer months, are considered to be active time of research, research training, and teaching preparation rather than holidays.
However, in any given year, such students are entitled to two weeks (ten weekdays) beyond the eleven (Morningside Campus) or twelve (CUMC Campus) designated University/Federal holidays listed immediately below:
| Morningside Campus | CUMC Campus |
|---|---|
| New Year’s (2) | New Year’s (2) |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (1) | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (1) |
| Memorial Day (1) | President’s Day (1) |
| Independence Day (1) | Memorial Day (1) |
| Labor Day (1) | Independence Day (1) |
| Election Day (1) | Labor Day (1) |
| Thanksgiving (2) | Election Day (1) |
| Christmas (2) | Thanksgiving (2) |
| Christmas (2) | |
| TOTAL: 11 days | TOTAL: 12 days |
Time off during the designated University/Federal holidays listed above is non-negotiable. Students should plan to take the remaining time-off days to which they are entitled after coordinating with a) their advisor or PI when holding a research appointment; and/or b) the faculty instructor or lead course coordinator when holding a teaching appointment. This will ensure that the requested time off does not conflict with the responsibilities attendant to the research enterprise or the course.