Cornell University is a prestigious institution located in the heart of Ithaca, New York, United States. This institution runs on a unique academic calendar. If you’re a student of this prestigious institution looking for the academic calendar on the current 2024/2025 academic session then you are in the right place.
Hang in tight as this article will guide you through Cornell’s University academic year, highlighting important dates, holidays and how to make the most of your time at this prestigious university.
Cornell’s University 2024-25 Academic Calendar
It is important to note that some degree programs offered in Cornell’s University such as Medicine and Surgery, MBA Programs, Law, Nursing and Veterinary medicine all operate on different academic calendars. However, religious holidays are also included in this calendar.
The Cornell University runs on a semester system, that is divided into two main academic terms which are the:
1. Fall Semester: which usually happens between late August to mid-December.
2. Spring Semester: Late January to mid-May.
However the Cornell University also offers
– Winter Session: A three-week term in January
– Summer Session: Multiple options from late May to early August
- Fall 2024
| Date | Event |
| Monday August 26th, 2024. | The start of Fall 2024. |
| Monday September 2nd, 2024. | Labor day- lecture free day. |
| Saturday October 12th, 2024. | The beginning of fall break 2024. |
| Monday October 14th, 2024. | Indigenous peoples day. |
| Wednesday October 16th, 2024. | End of break and continuation of the semester. |
| Monday November 11th, 2024. | Veterans day. |
| Wednesday November 27th, 2024. | Thanksgiving break. |
| Monday December 2nd, 2024. | End of Thanksgiving break and continuation of the semester. |
| Monday December 9th, 2024. | Last day of learning for the semester. |
| Tuesday December 10th to Thursday December 12th, 2024. | Study period. |
| Friday December 13th, 2024. | Exams for the fall session begin. |
| Saturday December 21st, 2024. | End of Exams. |
| Sunday December 22nd, 2024. | Recognition ceremony. |
| Tuesday December 31st, 2024. | December degree date. |
Key Fall Semester Deadlines
– Add and Drop Period: This involves the first three weeks of classes in fall 2024.
– Course Withdrawal: Usually happens around the 7th week of a new academic year.
– Thesis Submission specifically for graduating students: Is usually done in November.
- Winter 2025
The winter session is the most intensive in the aspect of learning.
The Cornell’s University Winter Session aims at improving learning and provides students with better opportunity to be focused:
– Duration: The winter session usually lasts for 3 weeks in January.
– Course Load: Students of Cornell’s University usually take one intensive course during the winter session.
– Format: There are many online courses offered by Cornell university.
| Date | Event |
| Thursday January 2nd, 2025. | Beginning of Winter Session. |
| Friday January 17th, 2025 | End of Winter’s Learning period. |
| Monday January 20th, 2025. | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – General holiday so no classes. |
Benefits of Winter Session
1. During this period students are able to catch up on credits.
2. Engage in extracurricular activities asides study.
3. Lighten up your spring course load.
- SPRING 2025
| Date | Event |
| Tuesday January 21st, 2025. | Beginning of the Spring session. |
| Saturday February 15th, 2025. | Beginning of February break. |
| Wednesday February 19th, 2025. | End of February break. |
| Saturday March 29th, 2025. | Beginning of spring break. |
| Tuesday May 6th, 2025. | Last Day of lectures. |
| Wednesday May 7th, 2025. | Study period. |
| Friday May 9th, 2025. | End of study period. |
| Saturday May 10th, 2025. | Exams for the spring session begin. |
| Saturday May 17th, 2025. | End of exams for the spring session. |
| Friday May 23rd to Sunday May 25th | University commencement weekend. |
The spring Semester comprises of these days:
– Cornell Days usually for admitted students: During april.
– Slope Day used to be an end-of-year celebration: Last day of lectures.
- Summer 2025
Events have not yet been scheduled into the summer 2025 academic semester.
Special Academic Calendar Considerations
Here are important dates in the Cornell’s University 2024/2025 academic calendar that should be put into consideration:
1. Slope Day: This is a Cornell University ritual that is always celebrated at the end of spring classes every academic year.
2. Study Period: The study period is usually held at the end of lectures and the start of finals for intensive review every semester.
3. Senior Week: The senior week usually commences between finals and the graduation of seniors in the institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about the Cornell Academic Calendar
1. What to Do If You Miss an Important Date?
Certainly there are some cases where one may miss an important date, it is inevitable. However, if it is to happen to you do not grief, do well to reach out to your course advisor or the appropriate bodies for that particular issue.
State a reasonable reason why you missed the date, though you may be disciplined in some cases or may not, they may be understanding enough to pardon you. It all traces back to the situation and the policy of Cornell’s University, exceptions may be made in most cases.
2. How to Plan Around the Academic Calendar?
With the calendar of the 2024/2025 academic session already at hand it is now easier to plan around the academic calendar. To start with, it is important to take notes on major dates like resumption date, holidays, exam dates, end of exams and vacation.
You can then highlight your breaks when you don’t have any lectures and schedule your activities in them. Always make your schedules flexible so as to be able to make adjustments if there are any due to unforeseen circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Having read this article thoroughly, I believe you have understood Cornell’s University academic calendar, effectively leveraged it and made the most of the limited time you have in this institution. Ranging from maximizing your study time, planning exciting breaks, engaging in extracurricular activities asides studying or participating in Cornell traditions, the university’s academic calendar is just what you need to have the best college experience.
