Faculty and students anxious for the Thanksgiving break

Even though Thanksgiving break begins Thursday, many University of Memphis students are opting to begin celebrating the holiday early."I have two classes and I work at The University, but I'm taking off the whole day to travel," said Donna Boling, French graduate student. "It seems to me that a lot of students need to go out of town and certainly don't want to travel on Thanksgiving Day.

Many students, like Boling, said the day before Thanksgiving is needed to travel to see family and friends.

"I only have one class on Wednesday night from 5:30 to 8:30 and it is not even cancelled," said Drew Sanford, graduate English student. "I don't live in Memphis, so I am skipping class to go home."

And since Thanksgiving holiday can be one of the most dangerous times to travel, according to the National Safety Council, college students should not be rushed to travel home.

Even U of M students who do not need to travel think Wednesday should be an official part of the holiday if hardly anyone would be in class.

"In one of my classes, I have friends that need to travel, so I know they will skip," said Neili Jones, sophomore fashion merchandiser major. "Considering this is a commuter school, I honestly think Wednesday should be let out for travel."

While numerous students must attend Wednesday classes, many are pleased to have the day off.

"One of my four classes was cancelled, I think just to give us a longer break," said Tracy Horne, freshman undecided major.

Even though classes are sometimes cancelled, it is still U of M policy that any faculty member who is absent must make sure class receives instruction, according to U of M's administration policies and procedures.

Others said they know they must still get out of bed and make it to school, even though there is temptation to skip class.

"I don't have off from my two classes and I don't really need it to travel, but I'd like to have it off," said Karita Carr, senior journalism major.