Academic calendars are a crucial aspect of any educational institution, serving as a guide for students, faculty, and staff to navigate the academic year. For Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, the academic calendar is carefully crafted to ensure a seamless and productive academic experience. As the 2025-2026 academic year approaches, it is essential to be aware of the key dates and deadlines that will shape the upcoming year.
Overview of the Cornell Academic Calendar
Cornell University operates on a semester-based academic calendar, with two primary semesters: fall and spring. The academic year typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-May. The university also offers a summer session, which provides students with opportunities for additional coursework, research, and experiential learning.
Fall Semester 2025 Key Dates and Deadlines
The fall semester is a critical period for Cornell students, marked by the beginning of new academic programs, research projects, and extracurricular activities. Here are some key dates and deadlines to keep in mind:
August 25, 2025: New Student Orientation begins August 27, 2025: Classes begin for the fall semester September 2, 2025: Labor Day (university closed) September 16, 2025: Last day to add or drop courses October 14, 2025: Mid-semester break begins October 17, 2025: Mid-semester break ends November 11, 2025: Veterans Day (university closed) November 25, 2025: Thanksgiving break begins November 29, 2025: Thanksgiving break ends December 13, 2025: Last day of classes for the fall semester December 16, 2025: Final exams begin December 22, 2025: Final exams end
Important Deadlines for Fall Semester 2025
October 1, 2025: Deadline to apply for undergraduate admissions for the spring semester November 1, 2025: Deadline to apply for graduate admissions for the spring semester December 1, 2025: Deadline to submit undergraduate and graduate degree applications for the spring semester
Spring Semester 2026 Key Dates and Deadlines
The spring semester marks the second half of the academic year, with students continuing their coursework, research, and extracurricular activities. Here are some key dates and deadlines to keep in mind:
January 13, 2026: Classes begin for the spring semester January 20, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (university closed) February 10, 2026: Last day to add or drop courses March 10, 2026: Spring break begins March 15, 2026: Spring break ends April 14, 2026: Last day to withdraw from courses May 1, 2026: Deadline to submit undergraduate and graduate degree applications for the summer semester May 8, 2026: Last day of classes for the spring semester May 11, 2026: Final exams begin May 17, 2026: Final exams end
Important Deadlines for Spring Semester 2026
February 1, 2026: Deadline to apply for undergraduate admissions for the fall semester March 1, 2026: Deadline to apply for graduate admissions for the fall semester April 1, 2026: Deadline to submit undergraduate and graduate degree applications for the fall semester
Summer Session 2026 Key Dates and Deadlines
Cornell University's summer session provides students with opportunities for additional coursework, research, and experiential learning. Here are some key dates and deadlines to keep in mind:
May 26, 2026: Summer session begins June 10, 2026: Last day to add or drop courses July 3, 2026: Independence Day (university closed) August 14, 2026: Last day of classes for the summer session August 17, 2026: Final exams begin August 22, 2026: Final exams end
Important Deadlines for Summer Session 2026
April 15, 2026: Deadline to apply for undergraduate admissions for the summer session May 1, 2026: Deadline to apply for graduate admissions for the summer session June 1, 2026: Deadline to submit undergraduate and graduate degree applications for the summer session
In conclusion, staying informed about the Cornell academic calendar is essential for students, faculty, and staff to navigate the academic year successfully. By being aware of key dates and deadlines, individuals can plan accordingly, ensuring a productive and fulfilling academic experience.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Cornell University Registrar's Office or your academic department.
What is the academic calendar for Cornell University?
+Cornell University operates on a semester-based academic calendar, with two primary semesters: fall and spring. The academic year typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-May.
What are the key dates and deadlines for the fall semester 2025?
+The key dates and deadlines for the fall semester 2025 include August 25 (New Student Orientation begins), August 27 (classes begin), September 2 (Labor Day), and December 22 (final exams end).
What are the key dates and deadlines for the spring semester 2026?
+The key dates and deadlines for the spring semester 2026 include January 13 (classes begin), January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), and May 17 (final exams end).
What are the key dates and deadlines for the summer session 2026?
+The key dates and deadlines for the summer session 2026 include May 26 (summer session begins), June 10 (last day to add or drop courses), and August 22 (final exams end).
By understanding the Cornell academic calendar, individuals can navigate the academic year with confidence, ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience at Cornell University.
Gallery of Cornell Academic Calendar 2025-2026 Key Dates And Deadlines
