Navigating Georgetown University's Academic Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide
Georgetown University, like any large academic institution, operates on a structured academic calendar. Understanding this calendar is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to plan their semesters effectively, meet deadlines, and stay informed about important dates and events. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Georgetown's academic calendar, drawing from various program schedules and key dates.
Orientation and Opening Term
For incoming students in the Full-time, Flex, and Flex Online programs, the academic journey begins with orientation. For example, one such orientation is scheduled for July 28-Aug. 2. Following orientation, the Opening Term commences for incoming Full-time, Flex and Flex Online 1st year students; and 2nd year Flex and Flex Online students on August 4. This initial term provides a focused introduction to the program, with key deadlines such as the add/drop deadline on August 4 and the last day to withdraw from specific courses like MGMT 5500 & STRT 6505 on August 9, and BADM 5500 on August 15. Flex Online programs also incorporate residency periods, such as the one for STRT 6505 from August 13-August 16 and for BADM 5500 from August 17-23. The Opening Term concludes on August 22.
Fall Semester: Modules, Breaks, and Deadlines
The fall semester is typically divided into modules, with classes beginning in late August. For instance, Module 1 and fall semester classes might commence, meeting as a Monday class day on August 27. Labor Day is observed as a holiday and there are no classes on Sept. 1. Key deadlines during this period include add/drop deadlines for Module 1 courses (Sept. 4) and semester-long courses (Sept. 5), as well as the last day to withdraw from Module 1 classes (Oct. 1).
Mid-semester, students can expect a break. There is a Program Day (reserved for studying) on Oct. 9. Module 1 final exams and fall semester midterm exams often take place around Indigenous Peoples Day Mid-Semester Holiday - no classes/exams which is Oct. 10, 14-17. Furthermore, there is a Fall Break / MBA Club Initiatives (iTreks & Career Treks) - no classes Oct. 18-26.
Module 2 classes and the continuation of fall semester classes usually resume in late October, for example, Oct. 27. Add/drop deadlines for Module 2 classes is Oct. 31. The last day to withdraw from fall semester-long courses is Nov. 20. As the semester progresses, Thanksgiving Holiday - no classes are scheduled for Nov. 26-30. The last day to withdraw from Module 2 courses is Dec. 1. Classes meet as a Wednesday class day on Dec. 8. The last day of module 2 and fall semester classes, meets as a Thursday class day on Dec. 9. A Program Day (reserved for studying) is scheduled for Dec. 10. Module 2 and fall semester final exams take place around Dec. 11-17.
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Spring Semester: Modules, Global Experiences and ILEs
After a winter break, the spring semester begins with Module 3 and spring semester classes, meeting as a Monday class day on January 7. The add/drop deadlines for Module 3 classes is Jan. 15, and semester-long courses is Jan. 16. Global Business Experience class day (FT 2nd years) is Jan. 16. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - no classes Jan. 19. The last day to withdraw from Module 3 classes is Feb. 11.
Key dates include Presidents Day - no classes Feb. 16. Classes follow a Monday schedule on a Tuesday Feb. 17. Classes follow a Tuesday schedule on a Thursday Feb. 19. The last day of Module 3 classes is Feb. 19. A Program Day (reserved for studying) is scheduled for Feb. 20. Module 3 final exams and spring semester midterm exams take place Feb. 23-27.
Spring Break for any students not participating in GBE or ILEs is Feb. 28-Mar. 15. Global Business Experience international residency week (FT 2nd years)Travel and programming days may vary by section/location is Feb. 28-Mar. 7. Intensive Learning Experience sessions (FT 1st years)ILE classes meet Monday through Friday all day Last day to drop is the end of the first day; Last day to withdraw is the day before the last day is Mar. 2-6. Intensive Learning Experience sessions (Flex & Flex Online)*ILEs run for two weeks, or for the first or second week only. Classes meet three evenings and SaturdaysLast day to drop is the end of the first day; Last day to withdraw is the 5th day of the ILE period for one-week ILEs and 6th day for two-week ILEs is Mar. 2-14. Module 4 classes begin, spring semester classes resume Mar. 16.
Add/drop closes for Module 4 classes is Mar. 20. Easter Break is Apr. 2-6. The last day to withdraw from spring semester-long courses is Apr. 9. The last day to withdraw from Module 4 classes is Apr. 20. The Executive Challenge final exam for MGMT 5505 - all day (FT 1st years) is Apr. 24. The last day of Module 4 and spring semester classes, meets as a Thursday class day is Apr. 28. A Program Day (reserved for studying) is scheduled for Apr. 29. Module 4 and spring semester final exams take place Apr. 30-May 6. Commencement Weekend is May 15-17.
Summer Sessions: Accelerated Learning
Georgetown University also offers summer sessions, providing students with opportunities for accelerated learning and degree progression. Add/drop deadline for Summer core course registration is May 8. Module 5 classes begin (Flex and Flex Online only) May 18. Add/drop closes for Module 5 classes May 22. Memorial Day - no classes May 25. Friday meets as a Monday class day May 29. Juneteenth - no classes Jun. 19. The last day to withdraw from Module 5 classes Jun. 22. The last day of Module 5 classes Jun. 25. Program Day (reserved for studying) Jun. 26. Module 5 final exams Jun. 27-Jul. 1. Global Business Experience international residency week (Flex 2nd years; Flex Online 2nd years program residency #3) Travel and programming days may vary by section/location Jul. 5-11. Module 6 (tutorials only) Jul. 6-Aug. 7. Intensive Learning Experience sessions (Flex & Flex Online)ILEs run for two weeks, or for the first or second week only. Classes meet three evenings and Saturdays**Last day to drop is the end of the first day; Last day to withdraw is the 5th day of the ILE period for one-week ILEs and 6th day for two-week ILEs Jul. 20-Aug. 1. End of Global Business Experience course (Flex 2nd years; Flex Online 2nd years) Aug.
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It's important to note that summer courses do not have study days nor an exam period. All deliverables are due by the last day of class. At this time, the waitlist is not available to new incoming students or consortium students. Summer Sessions registration will open at 9 AM on the first Monday in February (February 2).
Fall Semester 2025: A Glimpse into the Future
Looking ahead, the Fall Semester 2025 provides a glimpse into future academic scheduling. Faculty Orientation/Workshops are scheduled for Aug 13-14. New Student Orientation takes place Aug 16-19. Transfer Orientation is Aug 19. The First Day of Class is Aug 20. The Drop/Add Period and Attendance Verification occur Aug 20-25. The Opening Convocation is Aug 26. Labor Day- No Classes is Sept 1. Academic Progress Check- Round 1 is Sept 16-19. Winter and Spring Schedules Due is Sept 26. Fall Break- No Classes is Oct 9-10. Winter and Spring Schedules Published is Oct 9. Academic Progress Check- Round 2 is Oct 13-16. Textbook Adoption Window for Winter and Spring Open is Oct 13-26. Homecoming Weekend is Oct 17-19. Advising for Spring '26 is Oct 20-28. 60% Mark and Final Date to Drop a Course without a grade, change to P/F, or Audit a course is Oct 22. Advanced Registration for Spring '26 is Oct 27-Nov 6. Registration for Seniors is Oct 27. Registration for Juniors is Oct 29. Registration for Sophomores is Nov 3. Registration for Freshmen is Nov 5. Senior Comprehensive Reports Due is Nov 4. Final Date to Drop a Course with a W is Nov 11. Thanksgiving Holiday- No Classes is Nov 26-28. Course Evaluation Window Opens is Dec 1. Last Day of Classes is Dec 4. Reading Day is Dec 5. Final Examinations is Dec 8-11. Applications for May 2026 Degree Candidates Due is Dec 8. Grades Due at 11:59pm is Dec 16.
Inter-Term 2026
Classes Begin is Dec 26 and Classes End is Jan 16.
Spring Semester 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. is Jan 19.
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