The shorter academic breaks (Thanksgiving and Interim break) occur during months of potentially hazardous weather. Unlike Christmas and Spring Break, the college does not intend that these shorter breaks accommodate significant travel time for our students. Historically, Calvin students who live closer to the campus have invited students from a greater distance to their parent's homes for these shorter breaks.

Longer road trips during these shorter breaks are not recommended, as they tax the physical endurance of students and put them at the mercy of weather that can turn hazardous quite suddenly. In the past years, several serious car accidents have resulted. The college urges students and parents to discourage long road trips during these shorter academic breaks.