Next year at this time, ISU students and faculty could still be enjoying the holidays at home instead of heading back to school.

Some Faculty Senate members want to extend the three-week semester break to four weeks, which would mean class would be extended one week later in the spring. The issue will be discussed at the Faculty Senate meeting at 7:30 tonight in Rooms 260-262 of the Scheman Building.

University of Iowa has a four-week break, while University of Northern Iowa has the same three-week break as Iowa State.

Jackie Blount, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, said many faculty members want a four-week break because they need rest, and they use that time to concentrate on research.

“Most of us try to give our full attention to the students when the semester starts,” she said.

Sanjeev Agarwal, associate professor of marketing, said he would prefer four weeks. He said there are many things to do over break, such as organizing study abroad programs and going to faculty development programs.

“I am in international business, and many of the international travel and study opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere arrive at this time,” he said.

Peter Korsching, professor of sociology, thought the break should be four weeks as well, in order “to be able to accomplish the things that need to be accomplished over that period of time.”

Korsching said everyone he talked to in the sociology department wants a four-week break. Finishing up the details of the semester, the activity of the holidays and getting ready for the next semester take up the entire break. “It’s hectic, to say the least,” he said.

Palmer Holden, professor of animal science, said a longer break allows student groups taking tours for credit an extra week to travel. Some faculty members have their national meetings over break, as well.

“Most of the faculty comments I’ve seen have favored the longer break,” he said.

However, Thomas Barta, professor in industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, said he believes three weeks is better.

“I think it makes sense,” he said. “I think most students would rather get out earlier in the summer so they can go to work.”

Gregory Palermo, associate professor in architecture, said he can see both sides of the issue.

A three-week break gives students a week off in the summer, so they have an advantage in the job market, he said. It also has subtle advantages, such as avoiding the loss of the first day of Monday classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“A three-week break keeps the year relatively compact,” he said.

But despite these advantages, Palermo said he is also leaning toward a four-week break.

“Probably the week is used much more advantageously at the semester break,” he said. “I have to say from a faculty perspective, the added week would certainly be a benefit.”