Policy Statement
Academic calendars must be established at least four years in advance so that students may plan their schedules and University units may plan events. Changes in dates to previously approved calendars must be made at least two years before the start of the academic year of that calendar.
The proposed and approved calendars must meet the requirements stated in section A and B below.
A. Fall and Spring Semesters
- The academic calendar has a fall and a spring semester, each of which includes a minimum of 70 days of instruction, a maximum of 75 days of instruction, and approximately one week of final examinations (including Saturdays but not Sundays).
- Courses shorter or longer than the semester are subject to the approval of appropriate college or academic unit review committees.
B. Summer Term
The academic calendar has a summer term, which has May and summer sessions. A May session includes a minimum of 14 instructional days. Summer term starts after spring term is complete and concludes prior to the first day of fall semester.
No college or academic unit will be obligated to offer courses during summer term.
C. Revisions of Calendars
Requests for changes in dates to previously approved Twin Cities/Rochester and Morris calendars must be submitted to the Senate Committee on Educational Policy at least two years in advance of that academic year.
All calendars and any subsequent revisions or exceptions must be approved by faculty governance.
Exclusions
This policy is not applicable to the Duluth campus.
Professional schools are permitted to have calendars that vary from the requirements of this policy.
Reason for Policy
Establishing an academic calendar at least four years in advance allows students to plan their degree programs and enables University units to schedule events at times that do not conflict with other key activities. This policy implements requirements of federal financial aid regulations.
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