| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | University closure for New Year's, rest before academic year resumes. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Holiday with focus on social justice, aligning with AJU's ethos. |
| 📚 | First Day of Spring Semester Classes | 26 January 2026 | Spring term commencement for studies in Jewish culture and ethics. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Observance of US presidents, no classes. |
| 🎭 | Purim Observance | 3 March 2026approximate | Joyful Jewish holiday with costumes and charity. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 16 March 2026 | Break for rejuvenation before intensive spring studies. |
| 🍷 | Passover Begins | 1 April 2026 | Pesach observance with seders and freedom themes. |
Are you planning on applying to AJU next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at AJU. You can check them out below…
The academic calendar at American Jewish University (AJU) serves as the foundational framework for the institution's educational rhythm, blending rigorous academic pursuits with deep-rooted Jewish traditions and community values. Located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, AJU structures its year around a semester system, typically featuring fall and spring terms, with optional summer sessions for intensive study or professional development. This setup allows students to immerse themselves in Jewish studies, leadership training, and interdisciplinary programs while accommodating personal and religious observances. Historically, AJU's calendar has evolved from its origins as the University of Judaism, emphasizing flexibility to align with major Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover, which often influence break timings and class adjustments. Compared to larger public universities, AJU's calendar is more intimate, fostering a close-knit community where faculty and students collaborate closely. For students, this impacts everything from course planning to extracurricular involvement in synagogue leadership or cultural events. Prospective students should note how admissions cycles integrate with the calendar, offering rolling deadlines that encourage early applications for scholarships in Jewish education fields. International students benefit from orientations that highlight cultural adaptations, ensuring smooth transitions. Holidays are thoughtfully incorporated, providing time for reflection and family, which enhances mental well-being and academic performance. Faculty appreciate the calendar's predictability for research and teaching, while staff use it for administrative planning. Overall, AJU's academic calendar not only organizes time but also embodies the university's mission to nurture ethical leaders in a global Jewish context. To get insights from current students and faculty, check out Rate My Professor and consider sharing your own experiences to help others.
In terms of structure, the fall semester generally begins after Labor Day, allowing for a fresh start post-summer, and concludes before the winter holidays. The spring term picks up in early January, building momentum toward commencement in late spring. This pattern supports intensive exam periods and project deadlines, with built-in breaks for rejuvenation. AJU stands out by integrating Jewish lunar calendar elements, sometimes adjusting for festivals that fall mid-week, ensuring no conflicts with religious obligations. This approach contrasts with secular universities that might overlook such nuances, making AJU a unique choice for those seeking a balanced, faith-integrated education. Students often use the calendar to plan internships in nonprofit sectors or study abroad in Israel, aligning with break periods. Parents and families find it helpful for coordinating visits, especially around university events like lectures on contemporary Jewish issues. For those tracking rival school events, AJU's calendar allows strategic planning for inter-university conferences or debates. Historically, the calendar has adapted to broader educational trends, such as online learning shifts during global events, maintaining continuity. Looking ahead, it continues to evolve with input from the AJU community, ensuring relevance. If you're faculty or staff, explore job opportunities at Academic Jobs and rate your employer experiences to guide others.
Planning classes around the AJU academic calendar requires a strategic approach, considering the university's unique blend of academic rigor and Jewish cultural observances. Semesters are designed to provide ample time for in-depth exploration of subjects like rabbinical studies, ethics, and community leadership, with class schedules that respect Shabbat and major holidays. Students can use the calendar to map out course loads, ensuring balance between core requirements and electives. Tips include consulting advisors early to avoid overlaps with personal commitments, such as family travel during breaks. The calendar's structure supports hybrid learning options, ideal for working professionals pursuing degrees in Jewish education. Compared to other universities, AJU offers smaller class sizes, fostering personalized planning. For those verifying historical dates, past calendars reveal patterns like consistent mid-semester breaks for reflection. To enhance your planning, visit Rate My Professor for reviews on course demands and professor teaching styles—students are invited to rate and share insights.
Effective class planning also involves anticipating deadlines for assignments and registrations, which align with semester milestones. International students might coordinate with visa timelines, using the calendar for seamless integration. Faculty often release syllabi aligned with the calendar, helping students track progress. Rival school event coordination, like joint seminars, can be planned by comparing calendars. Overall, AJU's system empowers proactive scheduling, leading to better academic outcomes and work-life harmony. Explore related resources at How Rate My Professor Works.
Exam periods at AJU are strategically placed within the academic calendar to allow thorough preparation without overwhelming students. Typically, midterms and finals are scheduled to avoid major Jewish holidays, ensuring focus and fairness. Preparation tips include forming study groups in the university's collaborative environment, utilizing library resources for Jewish texts, and seeking professor feedback early. The calendar's built-in buffers before exams provide time for review sessions. Students rate highly the supportive atmosphere, as seen on Rate My Professor—join in by rating your experiences to help peers prepare better.
Balancing exams with personal life is key; use the calendar to plan rest during breaks. Faculty design assessments to reflect real-world applications in Jewish leadership, making preparation meaningful.
Thanksgiving break at AJU offers a cherished pause in the academic year, allowing students, faculty, and staff to recharge with family and reflect on gratitude—a value deeply embedded in Jewish teachings. This US holiday aligns with the fall semester, providing time for travel to hometowns or participation in community service. Traditions might include interfaith gatherings or discussions on social justice, tying into AJU's mission. Planning tips involve booking travel early, especially from Los Angeles, and using the time for light study or relaxation. The break enhances mental health, preparing everyone for the semester's end. For more on campus life, check Rate My College.
Coordinating with family travel is straightforward with the calendar's predictability, and it's an ideal time to verify historical event alignments or plan work schedules.
AJU's holidays and breaks are thoughtfully integrated, honoring both American and Jewish traditions. In the US context, breaks like spring break offer opportunities for travel or volunteer work in Jewish communities, while Thanksgiving emphasizes communal meals and reflection. Locale-specific observances include adjustments for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in fall, or Passover in spring, ensuring no class conflicts. Travel tips: Plan around peak times from Los Angeles airports, and consider eco-friendly options. These pauses allow coordination with family or rival school events, enhancing networking. For faculty, breaks are for research in Jewish studies. Students, rate your holiday experiences on Rate My Professor to guide others.
Breaks also support work schedules, with tips for balancing part-time jobs or internships.
Faculty and staff at AJU rely on the academic calendar for managing work schedules and deadlines, from grant submissions to course planning. The structure supports professional development, with deadlines aligned to semesters for efficiency. Tips include using digital tools for tracking, ensuring alignment with Jewish holidays.
Explore career opportunities at Lecturer Jobs.
Meetings and grading periods are key in AJU's calendar, fostering collaboration. Staff appreciate the emphasis on work-life balance. Invite employees to rate their employer at Employer Profiles.
Job links: Research Jobs.
AJU's historical calendars show adaptations over decades, incorporating technological shifts. Future patterns predict continued flexibility for global events.
Archives aid in verifying past dates for alumni.
Orientation and commencement are highlights, blending tradition with celebration. Invite students to rate professors at Rate My Professor or view results for informed choices.
These events strengthen community ties.
| 🏫 | Last Day of Spring Semester Classes | 8 May 2026 | Spring term wrap-up, finals approach. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 17 May 2026 | Celebration of graduates in Jewish leadership programs. |
| 📜 | Shavuot Observance | 21 May 2026 | Festival of Weeks, Torah study emphasis. |
| 🕊️ | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Remembrance holiday, university closed. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Start | 1 June 2026 | Summer courses begin for focused learning. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026 | Observed US holiday, extended weekend. |
| 🍂 | First Day of Fall Semester Classes | 24 August 2026 | Fall term starts with new academic pursuits. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Labor rights holiday, no classes. |
| 🍎 | Rosh Hashanah Begins | 11 September 2026 | Jewish New Year with shofar and apples. |
| 🕯️ | Yom Kippur | 20 September 2026 | Atonement day, solemn observance. |
| 👨🏫 | International Professor Day | 26 October 2026 | International Professor Day — celebrating professors worldwide. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 26 November 2026 | Gratitude holiday with family focus. |
| 🕎 | Hanukkah Begins | 4 December 2026 | Eight-day festival of dedication. |
| ❄️ | Last Day of Fall Semester Classes | 11 December 2026 | Fall term conclusion. |
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Early Decision Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Deadline for binding early commitment to AJU for fall 2026 entry. |
| 📝 | Early Action Application Deadline | 1 December 2025 | Non-binding early application for priority consideration in Jewish studies programs. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Submission Opens | 1 October 2025 | Start of financial aid applications for 2026 academic year. |
| 🗓️ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Standard deadline for fall 2026 admissions. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Deadline for merit-based awards in leadership and Jewish education. |
| 🗣️ | Admission Interviews Period Ends | 28 February 2026 | Completion of personal interviews for prospective students. |
| 📬 | Admission Decisions Released | 15 March 2026 | Notifications sent for regular decision applicants. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Final date to secure spot for fall 2026. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | Deadline for students transferring to AJU. |
| 🌍 | International Student Visa Deadline Reminder | 1 April 2026 | Key date for I-20 processing and visa applications. |
