Do physics graduate students have to stay and work at the university during the summers?

Question

What about professors? Do professors have to option of taking summers off?

Answer 1

In general, I'd say no, but whether a graduate student has to work during the summer depends on his/her deal with the university. Some schools might give graduate assistantships that might require summer work.

Most professors are off during the summer, but "off" means they are not required to teach. They may be working on their own research, which might involve lab work at their university.

Answer 2

that would be up to the individual college or university.