Vanderbilt University Academic Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide

Vanderbilt University, a private institution founded in 1873, operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Ranked No. 17 in National Universities in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges and holding the No. 6 spot for Lowest Acceptance Rates, Vanderbilt offers a rigorous academic environment for its 7,221 undergraduate students (fall 2024). With an urban setting and a 333-acre campus, the university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 8:1. This guide provides a detailed overview of Vanderbilt's academic calendar, including key dates and deadlines for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

General Information about Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's tuition and fees are $71,226. Fifty percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,917. The four-year graduation rate is 90%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $73,909. Vanderbilt University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment.

Fall Semester Calendar

Fall Semester 2022

Open enrollment begins: July 20
Convocation for new Graduate School students: August 22
Classes begin: August 24
Open enrollment ends: September 6
Graduation Intent for Fall graduation opens in YES: September 19
Fall break: October 13-October 14
Last day to withdraw with academic penalty: October 28
Last day to submit Graduation Intent for Fall graduation: November 6
Deadline to submit theses and dissertations for December graduation: November 18
Thanksgiving holidays: November 19-November 27
Fall classes end: December 8
Fall graduation: December 17

Fall Semester 2023

Open enrollment begins: July 19
Convocation for new Graduate School students: August 21
Classes begin: August 23
Open enrollment ends: September 5
Graduation Intent for Fall graduation opens in YES: September 18
Fall break: October 19-20
Last day to withdraw with academic penalty: October 27
Last day to submit Graduation Intent for Fall graduation: November 5
Deadline to submit theses and dissertations for December graduation: November 17
Thanksgiving holidays: November 18-November 26
Fall classes end: December 7
Fall graduation: December 16

Fall Semester 2024

Fall schedule available in YES: March 11
Fall registration opens: April 10
Fall open enrollment begins: July 17
Convocation for new Graduate School students: August 19
Classes begin: August 21
Open enrollment ends: August 30
Graduation Intent for Fall graduation opens in YES: September 16
Graduation Confirmation Form (Commencement) for Fall graduates opens in YES: September 16
Fall break: October 10-11
Last day to withdraw with academic penalty: October 25
Last day to submit Graduation Intent for Fall graduation: November 3
Graduation Confirmation Form (Commencement) for Fall graduates closes in YES: November 3
Deadline to submit theses and dissertations for December graduation: November 18
Thanksgiving holidays: November 23 - December 1
Fall classes end: December 5
Examinations and reading days: December 6 - 14
Fall graduation: December 14

Spring Semester Calendar

Spring Semester 2023

Classes begin: January 9
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: January 16

Spring Semester 2024

Open enrollment begins: December 4
Classes begin: January 8
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: January 15
Graduation Intent for Spring graduation opens in YES: January 15
Open enrollment ends: January 22
Last day to submit Graduation Intent for Spring graduation: February 25
Spring holidays (classes do not meet): March 9-17
Last day to withdraw with academic penalty: March 22
Deadline to submit theses and dissertations for May graduation: March 22
Spring classes end: April 22
Spring graduation: May 10
Commencement: May 10

Spring Semester 2025

Spring registration opens: October 30
Open enrollment begins: December 2
Classes begin: January 6
Graduation Intent for Spring graduation opens in YES: January 13
Graduation Confirmation Form (Commencement) for Spring graduates opens in YES: January 13
Open enrollment ends: January 15
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: January 20
Last day to submit Graduation Intent for Spring graduation: February 23
Graduation Confirmation Form (Commencement) for Spring graduates closes in YES: February 23
Spring holidays (classes do not meet): March 8 - 16
Last day to withdraw with academic penalty: March 21
Deadline to submit theses and dissertations for May graduation: March 24
Spring classes end: April 21
Examinations and reading days: April 22 - May 1
Spring graduation: May 9
Commencement: May 9

Summer Session Calendar

Summer Session 2024

Open enrollment begins: March 25
Maymester classes begin: May 6
End of student change period (Maymester): May 7
Maymester classes end: May 31
Graduate Intent for Summer graduation opens in YES: June 3
Graduate Confirmation Form for Summer Graduates opens in YES: June 3
Regular and Session I summer classes begin: June 4
End of Student Change Period (Regular and Session I): June 6
Juneteenth Holiday: June 19
Session I classes end: July 5
Session II classes begin: July 9
End of Student Change Period: Date Missing

Summer Session 2025

Open enrollment begins: March 24
Maymester classes begin: May 5
End of student change period (Maymester): May 6
Maymester classes end: May 30
Graduate Intent for Summer graduation opens in YES: June 2
Graduate Confirmation Form for Summer Graduates opens in YES: June 2
Regular and Session I summer classes begin: June 3
End of Student Change Period (Regular and Session I): June 5
Juneteenth Holiday: June 19
Session I classes end: July 3
Session II classes begin: July 8
End of Student Change Period: Date Missing

Key Academic Procedures and Dates Explained

Understanding the academic calendar involves familiarizing oneself with essential procedures and deadlines. Here's a breakdown of crucial aspects:

Open Enrollment: This is the period when students can register for courses. Missing the deadline can lead to delayed enrollment and limited course availability.
Graduation Intent: Students planning to graduate must declare their intent through the YES (Your Enrollment Services) system. This informs the university of your graduation plans.
Graduation Confirmation Form (Commencement): This form confirms your participation in the commencement ceremony. Completing it ensures your name is included in the program and that you receive all necessary information about the ceremony.
Fall/Spring Break: These are periods during the semester when classes are not in session, providing students with a break from their studies.
Last Day to Withdraw with Academic Penalty: Withdrawing from a course after this date typically results in a "WF" (Withdraw Failing) grade on your transcript, impacting your GPA. Before this date, a "W" is usually assigned, which does not affect your GPA.
Deadline to Submit Theses and Dissertations: Graduate students must adhere to this deadline to have their theses or dissertations reviewed and approved for graduation.
Examinations and Reading Days: These days are set aside for students to prepare for and take final exams. Reading days are intended to allow students to focus on studying without the distraction of classes.
Student Change Period: During this period, students can make changes to their course schedules, such as adding or dropping courses, without penalty. The specific dates vary for Maymester, Regular Summer Session, and Session I.

Read also: Vanderbilt University Alumni

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