While businesses, post offices, public schools, and government facilities around the nation are enjoying a much-deserved break for Labor Day, classes are still in session in the Notre Dame community.
But don't assume the campuses are fully functional today. Key administrative offices at both Notre Dame and Saint Mary's are closed, including the offices of financial aid and the Presidents' offices. Student resources such as Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, First Source Bank and Saint Mary's Health and Wellness will also be closed for the day.
Most students are not happy to be attending classes.
Katie Szewka, a Saint Mary's freshman, did not have school on Labor Day last year.
"Everybody has the day off, so why don't we?," she said. "Don't the professors deserve a day off?"
Szewka's roommate, freshman Alban Gremmels, was also concerned about her professors.
"If they have kids, their kids are out of school. That's a huge inconvenience to them," she said.
Students are pleased, however, that many campus amenities remain open. Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, and Sbarro are open at Notre Dame, as well as Saint Mary's eateries Dalloway's and the Haggar Snack Bar. Both campus libraries and the Notre Dame Box Office will also hold regular hours.
Many students are looking at the bright side of attending classes on Labor Day. Notre Dame senior Kathryn Wendel is one of them.
"I feel like it is okay, because we get an entire week at fall break," Wendel said. "So I think of fall break as five Labor Days all in a row when we can go somewhere nice, maybe see the sun, and sit by the pool sipping a nice cold drink."
But Wendel will have to wait to plan her trip until tomorrow, when Anthony Travel reopens.
