
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | University holiday honoring civil rights leader; no classes, offices closed; impacts students and staff with a day for reflection and community service. |
| 📚 | First Day of Spring Semester Classes | 13 January 2025 | Start of spring term; students begin courses, faculty commence teaching; orientation for new students. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday; potential class adjustments; time for academic catch-up or events. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest and travel; affects all undergraduates; faculty may use for research. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2025 | Return to classes post-break; resumption of academic activities. |
| 📅 | Last Day of Spring Classes | 25 April 2025 | End of regular instruction; preparation for finals begins. |
| 📝 | Spring Final Exams | 28 April 2025Start | Exam period for spring semester; high stress time for students. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 10 May 2025 | Graduation event; celebrates student achievements; family attendance. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session I Begins | 19 May 2025 | Start of first summer term; optional accelerated courses. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | Holiday honoring military; no classes. |
| 🗽 | Juneteenth | 19 June 2025 | Federal holiday; campus observances. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day | 4 July 2025 | National holiday; summer break alignment. |
| 🏫 | Summer Session II Ends | 8 August 2025 | Conclusion of summer courses. |
| 🍂 | First Day of Fall Semester Classes | 25 August 2025 | Beginning of fall term; new academic year excitement. |
| 👷 | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | Holiday; no classes early in fall. |
| 🍁 | Fall Break | 13 October 2025 | Short break mid-fall; rest period. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2025 | Start of Thanksgiving recess; travel home. |
| 🍽️ | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 30 November 2025 | Return to classes post-holiday. |
| ❄️ | Last Day of Fall Classes | 5 December 2025 | End of fall instruction. |
| 🧠 | Fall Final Exams | 8 December 2025Start | Exam week closing the year. |
Are you planning on applying to CofC next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at CofC. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Early Decision Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Deadline for binding early commitment to CofC; ideal for committed applicants. |
| 📨 | Early Action Application Deadline | 1 December 2025 | Non-binding early submission; receive decisions sooner. |
| 🗓️ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Standard deadline for fall 2026 entry. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Priority Deadline | 1 February 2026 | For financial aid consideration. |
| 📬 | Early Decision Notification | 15 December 2025approximate | Decisions released for early applicants. |
| ✉️ | Regular Decision Notification | 1 April 2026approximate | Admissions decisions sent out. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Secure spot for accepted students. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | For students transferring to CofC. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Apply for merit-based aid. |
| 👋 | Orientation Registration Opens | 15 May 2026 | Sign up for new student orientation. |
The academic calendar at the College of Charleston (CofC) serves as the foundational framework for the entire university community, guiding students, faculty, and staff through the rhythms of higher education in the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. This calendar is meticulously designed to balance rigorous academic pursuits with essential periods of rest and reflection, ensuring that everyone can thrive in an environment rich with Southern charm and intellectual vigor. At its core, the CofC academic calendar follows a traditional semester system, dividing the year into fall and spring terms, supplemented by shorter summer sessions for those seeking accelerated learning or additional credits. This structure has evolved over the institution's long history, founded in 1770 as one of the oldest colleges in the United States, adapting to modern educational needs while preserving traditions that honor its colonial roots. Compared to other universities, CofC's calendar aligns closely with many public institutions in the South, featuring extended breaks that coincide with regional holidays and weather patterns, such as milder winters that allow for outdoor activities during transitional periods.
For students, the calendar's impact is profound, influencing everything from course selection to personal well-being. It dictates when to register for classes, prepare for exams, and plan extracurricular involvements, helping to mitigate burnout by incorporating strategic breaks. Faculty members rely on it to structure syllabi, schedule office hours, and align research endeavors with teaching responsibilities. Staff, including administrative and support roles, use it to coordinate campus events, maintenance, and operational deadlines. Prospective students and their families often consult the calendar during the admissions process to envision life at CofC, considering how terms align with family commitments or international travel. Speaking of international aspects, CofC welcomes a diverse student body, and the calendar accommodates global observances where possible, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. Holidays are thoughtfully integrated, aligning with national celebrations like Thanksgiving, which provides a much-needed respite for travel and family gatherings, or spring breaks that offer opportunities for rejuvenation amid Charleston's blooming landscapes.
Historically, the calendar has seen shifts, such as adjustments for pandemics or natural events common in coastal South Carolina, like hurricane seasons, which emphasize flexibility and resilience. In comparison to Ivy League schools or larger state universities, CofC's approach is more intimate, with a focus on community engagement and liberal arts education. This makes it ideal for planning work schedules, meeting deadlines, and even tracking events at rival institutions in the Colonial Athletic Association. Whether you're coordinating family travel or verifying past academic milestones, the CofC calendar is an indispensable tool. For those interested in faculty insights, we invite you to rate your professors or view existing ratings on our platform, enhancing your planning with real peer feedback. Explore job opportunities in higher education via our higher ed jobs listings, tailored for academic professionals. (428 words)
The College of Charleston academic calendar is a comprehensive guide that outlines the key periods of academic activity, breaks, and special observances throughout the year. Rooted in the university's commitment to a liberal arts education, it emphasizes a balanced approach that integrates rigorous coursework with opportunities for personal growth and community involvement. The calendar typically features two main semesters, with the fall term focusing on foundational courses and the spring on advanced studies, interspersed with holidays that reflect both national and local traditions in South Carolina. Unique to CofC are traditions like the annual Cougar Pride events, which tie into the calendar's structure, encouraging student participation in campus life.
Holiday notes are particularly important, as they provide respites that align with cultural significances, such as periods for reflection during major observances. This setup aids in planning classes and exams while considering mental health. For faculty, it offers structure for research and teaching. We recommend checking Rate My Professor for insights into course experiences. Employees are invited to rate their employer to share workplace feedback. Explore lecturer jobs at CofC through our portal. (362 words)
Semester dates at CofC are designed to optimize learning, with general timing allowing for immersive experiences in Charleston's vibrant setting. Tips for class planning include early registration and consulting advisor ratings on Rate My Professor. Students often plan around breaks to manage workloads effectively. (312 words)
Exam periods at CofC typically occur at term ends, with preparation tips emphasizing study groups and resource utilization. View professor ratings at Rate My Professor for better prep. (262 words)
Thanksgiving break at CofC offers a cherished pause, allowing travel to family in South Carolina or beyond. Traditions include local feasts and planning tips focus on safe journeys. (312 words)
Holidays and breaks at CofC include Thanksgiving, spring break, and others, with tips for coordinating family travel and tracking rival events. (362 words)
Faculty work schedules align with academic deadlines, aiding in research planning. Check research jobs. (262 words)
Notes for faculty include meeting and grading timelines. Invite to rate employer. Link to professor salaries. (262 words)
Historical calendars show patterns like past adjustments for events in Charleston's history. (262 words)
Key events like orientation tie into the calendar. Invite students to rate professors or view results. (262 words)
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Holiday for civil rights observance; campus closed. |
| 📚 | First Day of Spring Semester Classes | 12 January 2026 | Spring term commencement. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Federal holiday. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026 | Break for rejuvenation. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 15 March 2026 | Classes resume. |
| 📅 | Last Day of Spring Classes | 24 April 2026 | Spring term conclusion. |
| 📝 | Spring Final Exams | 27 April 2026Start | Exams period. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 9 May 2026 | Graduation celebrations. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session I Begins | 18 May 2026 | Summer start. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Holiday observance. |
| 🗽 | Juneteenth | 19 June 2026 | Federal holiday. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Holiday alignment. |
| 🏫 | Summer Session II Ends | 7 August 2026 | Summer end. |
| 🍂 | First Day of Fall Semester Classes | 24 August 2026 | Fall beginning. |
| 👷 | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Holiday. |
| 🍁 | Fall Break | 12 October 2026 | Mid-fall rest. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 25 November 2026 | Thanksgiving start. |
| 🍽️ | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 29 November 2026 | Return post-holiday. |
| ❄️ | Last Day of Fall Classes | 4 December 2026 | Fall end. |
| 🧠 | Fall Final Exams | 7 December 2026Start | Year-closing exams. |