Fall Break

Academics

Classes are held as scheduled on November 25 and 26; there are no classes on November 27 through December 1, and classes resume December 2. Students should plan to attend all scheduled class meetings in person. Faculty are advised not to grant excused absences due to student vacation plans or travel preferences.

Housing

All students who live in the residence halls during the fall 2024 term are welcome to stay in their regular assignment on campus for all or part of Fall Break. Students who choose to leave during the break are not required to check out. If leaving during the break, please close your windows and blinds, unplug all electronics, turn down your heat, and lock your door.

Dining

All campus dining locations close during fall break. Regular dining hours continue through the end of service on Tuesday, November 26. Regular dining hours resume with dinner on December 1.

If you are traveling...

Driving 

This holiday weekend is typically the busiest several days of the year on Massachusetts roads. If you are traveling by car, you should anticipate significant congestion and delays, especially Wednesday mid-afternoon and Sunday evening. AAA and other reputable organizations typically issue holiday travel forecasts in mid-November, and we encourage you to use reliable data to make your plans. Last year, for example, AAA’s 2023 travel forecast predicted roads would be experiencing a 54% increase over their usual rush hour volume at peak times in the Boston metro area, resulting in significant delays. 

Annual TCU Senate Shuttle 

The TCU Senate plans to offer its annual Fall Break Shuttle to facilitate student travel. Bus transportation from campus to Logan Airport and South Station is typically offered on Tuesday and Wednesday. Shuttle times will be announced in early November when tickets go on sale.

MBTA 

The MBTA operates its usual service throughout the break except for November 28, when there is less frequent service. See MBTA holiday hours.  Students can get to the main rail hubs, North Station and South Station, and to Logan Airport for around $2.40 on the MBTA.  If you return via Logan Airport, the Silver Line trip from the airport is free

Massport Shuttle 

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates a shuttle from the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay to Logan Airport for $3.  Taking the shuttle also grants you priority access at the TSA security checkpoint.  The return trip from Logan Airport to Hynes Convention Center is free. You can get more information and tickets here. There is direct access to the Hynes Convention Center from Tufts via the MBTA. 

If you are staying...

Housing 

All students who live in the residence halls during the fall 2024 term are welcome to stay in their regular assignment on campus for all or part of Fall Break. There is no additional cost, no permission needed, and no sign-up required to stay on campus. 

Meal Support 

Students who (1) meet certain financial aid criteria, (2) have a meal plan during the fall term, and (3) will be around for fall break are eligible for fall break meal support.  Students meeting those criteria will be contacted by email and invited to sign up for meal support in early November. The deadline to apply for meal support is Monday, November 18. 

Students with questions about this program can contact the Dean of Students office at 617-627-3158 or DeanofStudents@tufts.edu 

Getting Around Campus 

The Davis Square shuttle, the SMFA Connected shuttle, and SMFA Beacon Direct shuttle will operate limited service during the break. The Grocery Store shuttle will offer service during the break on Saturday Nov. 30th. Generally, shuttles will operate on a reduced schedule on November 27, have no service on November 28 and 29, and operate a limited schedule on November 30 and December 1.  

The full fall break shuttle schedule will be available from Tufts Parking and Transportation in early November. 

Fall Break Hours 

Most Tufts offices are open during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Wednesday, November 27, and closed Thursday through Sunday. Several programs and facilities that usually have operations that extend outside business hours will operate with more limited availability. 

DateDiningTisch LibraryMayer Campus CenterTisch Fitness CenterCMHSHealth ServiceSMFA
Wed 11/27

Carmichael and Dewick: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hotung, Hodgdon, and Kindlevan: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SMFA Cafe: Closed

7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.8 a.m. to 2 p.m.ClosedClosedClosed

230 Fenway General Hours: Closed at 11 p.m. with no after-hours access

Art Store & Media Stockroom: Closed

Mission Hill Studios: Closed at 11 p.m. with no after-hours access

Specialized Studios at 230 Fenway: Closed

Thu 11/28

Medford Dining Locations: Closed

SMFA Cafe: Closed

ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedAll facilities closed
Fri 11/29

Medford Dining Locations: Closed

SMFA Cafe: Closed

ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosedAll facilities closed
Sat 11/30

Medford Dining Locations: Closed

SMFA Cafe: Closed

ClosedClosedClosedClosedClosed

230 Fenway General Hours: Open

Art Store: Closed

Media Stockroom: Open

Mission Hill Studios: Open

Specialized Studios at 230 Fenway: Open

Sun 12/1

Carmichael, Dewick, and Commons open at 5 p.m.

SMFA Cafe: Closed

7:45 a.m. to 4 a.m.4:00 p.m. to midnight10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.ClosedClosed

230 Fenway General Hours: Open

Art Store: Closed

Media Stockroom: Open

Mission Hill Studios: Open

Specialized Studios at 230 Fenway: Open