<p>Sorry OP, for getting this thread off topic.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Cayugared - does it really matter whether my family is vacationing out of the country or staying in our own backyard?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not at all. And that's why it was ridiculous for you to bring it up in the first place. It had absolutely no function relative to the original poster's question, and it showed a decided lack of tact on a forum where many individuals may find themselves in a very different financial situation than your family.</p>
<p>The ulterior point is that at Cornell, like at many other schools, there is a "student first" mentality that often can impede instruction. Unfortunately, your comment exhibited this mentality to the fullest extent, without any of your later qualifications.</p>
<p>Again, to answer the original question directly: Official university policy requires professors to teach all scheduled classes until the beginning of break. Faculty can actually get in trouble with their dean if they do not hold classes. And it is up to the student's own discretion whether or not they are willing to risk skipping class and missing important material for something like a family vacation. In many of my classes, important material was introduced on the Monday or Tuesday before break, and some students did poorly on their final exam as a result.</p>
<p>Now, as you allude, many professors are more than willing to accommodate students who may have special circumstances -- job interviews, conferences, family deaths, and religious observances. I once had a very accommodating professor who let me hand in a paper two days late because I wanted to spend the Easter holiday with my ailing grandmother. But they will typically not have the patience to bend over backwards for a family vacation.</p>
<p>CR - your view may change as you get older on what's important. My area of work is 24-7, it is not possible for everyone to be off. I always made a point of letting my staff that need to travel home for holidays to get the time first. I usually stay behind around winter holidays so my managers could have time with their family. No, I don't believe job interviews, conferences or job itself is more important than family time.</p>
<p>CayugaRed- You're going to have to develop a bit of a thicker skin if you're so sensitive that the mention of someone taking a better vacation than you offends you.</p>
<p>
[quote]
CayugaRed- You're going to have to develop a bit of a thicker skin if you're so sensitive that the mention of someone taking a better vacation than you offends you.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Thanks for understanding my motivations and looking out for me. Kudos.</p>
<p>I don't really know why posters are attacking oldfort. I always found oldfort's post to be very informative.</p>
<p>Anyway, there's obviously going to be repercussions to skipping class, but sometimes you have to prioritize what you value in life (e.g., spending time with family).</p>
<p>fudgemaster - thanks. I was probably a bit too defensive. It has been a few bad weeks at work because of the market...but it's probably just going to get worse.</p>
<p>Does anyone kno if Maas usually cancels the lecture before the Thanksgiving break?
Thanks! :)</p>
<p>The only thing on the Wed before break for Psych 1101 is an optional discussion. It's right on the syllabus.</p>