Parent and Family Orientation Fall Furlough 21-30 November 2025

Citadel football players entering the field

At The Citadel, the authorized leave periods during Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year's, and Spring Break are referred to as "furloughs." Furlough is a military term meaning "an authorized leave of absence." During these periods, the barracks are secured, and no cadets are permitted to remain on campus unless mandated by Special Orders (e.g., athletic teams with scheduled events).

The Fall Furlough commences following your cadet's final military duty, which typically coincides with their last class on the Friday preceding Thanksgiving. For cadets without Friday classes, departure is authorized from 8:00 AM. This year, the Fall Furlough begins on Friday, November 21st, and concludes at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 30th.

Once you have their class schedule, you can figure out flights home by looking at their class schedule and finding out when their last class is on that Friday.

The barracks will close by 6:00 PM on November 21st and will reopen around 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 30th. The exact reopening time will be communicated by the Commandant closer to the furlough period.

Click on the NEXT button to learn about Winter Furlough.