Students at Red Deer College could enjoy a week-long fall break as soon as 2019.

In March, the college’s Students' Association held a campus-wide referendum in conjunction with its annual executive elections to gauge student support for a fall reading week.

Eighty-six per cent voted affirmatively.

Students already get a breather in the fall term during the week of Remembrance Day. They take three weekdays off, plus the weekend, said Paulette Hanna, RDC vice-president, academic.

But since students asked for a longer break, Hanna said administration was willing to make it happen after seeing the plebiscite results.

“We have a really good relationship with the Students' Association and with our students. However we could accommodate them to make their learning opportunities the best they can be, we’re certainly willing to do that,” she said.

The school’s academic calendar has to be set two years in advance. Hanna said the school’s academic policy committee is currently revising the policy on scheduling, which will then go to stakeholders for consultation, then sent to the academic council.

The academic council then makes recommendations to the college president, reads its constitution.

William Baliko is the newly-elected SA president, having finished his second year at RDC, studying fine arts and education. The extra time off would help him put more work into his major projects, he said.

Baliko said the desire for an extended fall break has been longstanding and he’s pleased school administration is listening to students.

“It’s a great time to catch up. It’s something I think a lot of students would enjoy,” Baliko said. “I’m sure there would be some students who’d enjoy going home to their families and visiting with friends or just taking some time to get some rest and relaxation.”

Danielle Pantony and Eleanor Chen are fourth-year nursing students who expect to graduate before 2019.

Both wish they could have enjoyed a fall break.

“We’re both in nursing so it’s really stressful. Having that extra time off to recuperate is really helpful for mental health reasons as well,” Chen said.

As well, Pantony said the additional days off would allow her to pick up extra shifts at work – helpful for paying her tuition.

“I hope it happens. It would be a great thing for students in the area, and something I do believe would benefit our students,” Baliko said.