CCC Jobs

Columbia College Chicago

Also known as: CCC

5 Star Employer Ranking
600 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
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CCC Academic Calendar

CCC Employer Profile

2025 Academic Calendar

📅
First Day of Spring Semester Classes
13 January 2025
Marks the beginning of the spring term with orientations and class starts, affecting all students and faculty in creative programs.
🕊️
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
20 January 2025
University closed for observance, providing time for community service and reflection on civil rights.
📝
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
27 January 2025
Last day to adjust schedules without penalties, crucial for students finalizing creative course loads.
🇺🇸
Presidents' Day Holiday
17 February 2025
No classes, allowing for mid-semester breaks and professional development in Chicago.
🏖️
Spring Break Begins
10 March 2025
Week-long break for rest, travel, or creative projects, impacting student recharge.
📚
Classes Resume After Spring Break
17 March 2025
Return to academic activities with renewed focus on midterms and projects.
🏁
Last Day of Spring Semester Classes
28 April 2025
Conclusion of regular classes, leading into finals and showcases.
📝
Spring Finals Week Begins
5 May 2025
Period for exams, critiques, and portfolio reviews in creative disciplines.
🎓
Commencement Ceremony
17 May 2025
Graduation event celebrating achievements in arts and media.
☀️
Summer Session Starts
26 May 2025
Beginning of optional summer courses for accelerated learning.
🎖️
Memorial Day Holiday
26 May 2025
Observance with university closure, honoring military service.
🎆
Independence Day Holiday
4 July 2025
National holiday break during summer term.
🏖️
Summer Session Ends
8 August 2025
Conclusion of summer classes and activities.
👋
Fall Semester Orientation
18 August 2025
Welcome events for new and returning students.
📅
First Day of Fall Semester Classes
25 August 2025
Start of fall term with creative coursework.
🛠️
Labor Day Holiday
1 September 2025
No classes, celebrating workers' contributions.
📝
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
8 September 2025
Final adjustments to fall schedules.
🦃
Thanksgiving Break Begins
26 November 2025
Start of holiday break for family and rest.
📚
Classes Resume After Thanksgiving
1 December 2025
Return to classes post-holiday.
🏁
Last Day of Fall Semester Classes
8 December 2025
End of regular fall classes.
📝
Fall Finals Week Begins
15 December 2025
Final assessments and projects.

2026 Admission Key Dates

Are you planning on applying to CCC next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at CCC. You can check them out below…

📅
Early Action Application Deadline
1 November 2025
Submit early for priority consideration in creative programs at CCC.
📬
Early Decision Notification
15 December 2025
Decisions released for early applicants, binding commitment if accepted.
📝
Regular Decision Application Deadline
1 February 2026
Standard deadline for fall 2026 entry, including portfolios and auditions.
💰
FAFSA Priority Deadline
15 February 2026
Submit financial aid forms for maximum aid eligibility.
📬
Regular Decision Notification
1 April 2026
Admissions decisions sent out for regular applicants.
🤝
National College Decision Day
1 May 2026
Deadline to commit to CCC and submit deposits.
🔄
Transfer Application Deadline
1 June 2026
For students transferring credits into CCC programs.
👋
Orientation Registration Deadline
15 July 2026
Sign up for new student orientation sessions.
🛂
International Student Visa Deadline
30 June 2026
Final date for I-20 processing and visa applications.
🏆
Scholarship Application Deadline
1 March 2026
Apply for merit-based awards in arts and media.

The academic calendar at Columbia College Chicago (CCC) serves as the backbone for students, faculty, and staff navigating the vibrant world of creative education in the heart of Chicago. As a premier institution focused on arts, media, and communications, CCC's calendar is uniquely tailored to foster innovation and hands-on learning while aligning with the dynamic cultural scene of the city. The structure typically divides the year into fall, spring, and summer semesters, each designed to balance rigorous coursework with opportunities for real-world experiences, such as internships in Chicago's thriving arts community. This setup not only accommodates traditional academic pursuits but also integrates events like film festivals, gallery openings, and performances that are integral to the curriculum.

Historically, CCC's academic calendar has evolved from its founding in 1890 as a speech and drama school to its current status as a comprehensive college offering over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. Compared to other universities, CCC emphasizes flexibility, with shorter terms and intensive workshops that cater to working professionals and non-traditional students. This impacts students by allowing them to plan around part-time jobs or portfolio-building activities, which are crucial in creative fields. For international students, the calendar aligns with U.S. holidays, providing time for cultural immersion or travel back home.

Admissions processes are woven into the calendar, with key periods for applications, auditions, and portfolio reviews that prospective students must track. Holidays and breaks offer respite, aligning with national observances to enable family time or personal projects. Faculty use the calendar to schedule critiques, exhibitions, and collaborative events, ensuring a rhythm that supports both teaching and professional development. Parents and families can coordinate visits around these dates, while staff manage administrative deadlines seamlessly.

In essence, the CCC academic calendar is more than a schedule; it's a tool for strategic planning in a creative environment. It helps in organizing class loads, preparing for exams, and enjoying breaks that recharge artistic energies. Whether you're verifying past event timings or planning future semesters, this calendar ensures everyone stays synchronized in the pursuit of excellence at Columbia College Chicago. For insights into professors and courses, we invite you to rate your professors or view existing ratings to make informed decisions.

Overview of Columbia College Chicago Academic Calendar

Columbia College Chicago's academic calendar is meticulously crafted to support its mission of nurturing creative talent in fields like film, music, fashion, and journalism. The calendar typically features a fall semester starting after summer, a spring semester beginning in the new year, and optional summer sessions for accelerated learning or electives. This structure allows for immersive experiences, such as participating in Chicago's Lollapalooza or Art Institute events, which often tie into coursework.

Traditions at CCC include orientation weeks filled with workshops and networking, midterm breaks for reflection, and end-of-semester showcases where students present their work. Holiday notes are particularly important; the calendar incorporates federal holidays, providing time for rest and inspiration. For instance, breaks align with periods when students can engage in freelance gigs or travel to gain new perspectives, essential for creative growth.

Compared to more traditional universities, CCC's calendar is more fluid, accommodating the unpredictable nature of artistic projects. This benefits students by offering flexibility in planning work schedules around deadlines for assignments like short films or design portfolios. Faculty appreciate the built-in periods for professional development, such as attending conferences in nearby venues.

To get a sense of the teaching quality, check out Rate My Professor for Columbia College Chicago. We encourage current and former students to contribute ratings to help others plan their academic paths effectively. For career opportunities, explore research jobs or lecturer jobs at CCC through Academic Jobs.

The calendar also considers international students, with breaks that allow for visa-related travel or cultural celebrations. Overall, it's a comprehensive guide that enhances the educational experience in Chicago's bustling environment.

Semester Dates and Class Planning

Planning classes at Columbia College Chicago involves understanding the general timing of semesters, which typically span 15-16 weeks each. Fall terms often commence in late summer, allowing students to settle into Chicago's vibrant scene before diving into courses. Spring semesters follow winter breaks, providing a fresh start with new projects and collaborations.

Tips for effective planning include reviewing course catalogs early and consulting advisors to align classes with career goals in creative industries. Students rate their experiences highly when courses offer practical applications, such as live productions or internships. For professor insights, visit Rate My Professor to see ratings and reviews that can influence your schedule.

Balancing workloads is key; mix intensive studio classes with theoretical ones to avoid burnout. The calendar's structure supports this by including add/drop periods at the beginning of terms. International students should note how semester timings affect visa renewals or travel plans.

We invite you to rate your courses after completion to help future planners. For job seekers, check higher ed jobs tailored to CCC's creative focus.

Exam Schedules and Preparation

Exam periods at Columbia College Chicago are strategically placed at the end of each semester, allowing ample time for review and project completion. Typical schedules include midterms midway through the term and finals in the closing weeks, often incorporating practical assessments like performances or critiques.

Preparation tips emphasize utilizing CCC's resources, such as tutoring centers and library archives in Chicago. Study groups in creative fields can lead to innovative review methods, like collaborative storyboarding for exams.

Students often rate professors who provide clear guidelines highly; explore these on Rate My Professor. Time management during exam seasons is crucial, aligning with breaks for recovery.

Thanksgiving Break at Columbia College Chicago

Thanksgiving break at Columbia College Chicago offers a welcome pause in the academic year, typically falling in late autumn. This time allows students to travel home, recharge, and reflect on their creative progress amidst Chicago's fall foliage.

Traditions include family gatherings with a creative twist, like sharing art projects over dinner. Planning tips involve booking travel early, especially from Chicago's airports, and using the break for portfolio updates or freelance opportunities.

For international students, it's a chance to experience American customs or host cultural exchanges. Faculty use this period for grading and planning, ensuring a smooth return. Check Rate My College for student feedback on how breaks enhance the CCC experience.

Coordinate family travel by aligning with the calendar's holiday alignments, making it easier to plan visits to Chicago's museums during this time.

Holidays and Breaks

Columbia College Chicago incorporates various holidays and breaks into its calendar, including national observances like Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day. Spring breaks provide mid-semester relief, ideal for travel or creative retreats in nearby areas.

Travel tips include exploring Chicago's neighborhoods or road trips to Midwest destinations. For U.S.-specific breaks like Thanksgiving, students plan family coordinations, while international holidays might be accommodated through flexible scheduling.

These periods impact work schedules, allowing time for internships or personal projects. View professor ratings on Rate My Professor to see how they handle holiday assignments.

Breaks also serve to track rival school events, such as art competitions, fostering a competitive yet collaborative spirit.

Work Schedule and Deadlines

Faculty and staff at Columbia College Chicago follow a work schedule tied to the academic calendar, with deadlines for syllabus submissions, grant applications, and event planning. This ensures smooth operations in a creative environment.

Tips for managing include using digital tools to track milestones, aligning with semester starts and ends.

Explore professor salaries and career advice at Higher Ed Career Advice.

Faculty and Staff Notes

Faculty meetings and grading periods are scheduled around the calendar's key points, promoting collaboration. Staff handle administrative tasks like enrollment during peak times.

We invite employees to rate their employer on Rate My College. For job openings, visit employer profiles.

Historical and Future Calendars

Historical calendars from past years show patterns, like consistent fall starts in late August during the 2010s. Future projections follow similar structures, adapting to educational trends.

Verify historical dates for events like past commencements to understand evolutions.

Events and Professor Ratings

Major events include orientation and commencement, highlighting student achievements. Invite students to rate professors or view results for better planning.

Check university rankings and how Rate My Professor works.

2026 Academic Calendar

📅
First Day of Spring Semester Classes
12 January 2026
Kickoff of spring term with new creative opportunities.
🕊️
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday
19 January 2026
Day of service and remembrance.
📝
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
26 January 2026
Schedule finalization period.
🇺🇸
Presidents' Day Holiday
16 February 2026
Mid-semester holiday break.
🏖️
Spring Break Begins
9 March 2026
Time for travel and rejuvenation.
📚
Classes Resume After Spring Break
16 March 2026
Back to academic pursuits.
🏁
Last Day of Spring Semester Classes
27 April 2026
Wrap-up of spring coursework.
📝
Spring Finals Week Begins
4 May 2026
Evaluation period for students.
🎓
Commencement Ceremony
16 May 2026
Celebration of graduates' accomplishments.
☀️
Summer Session Starts
25 May 2026
Launch of summer learning.
🎖️
Memorial Day Holiday
25 May 2026
Honoring fallen heroes.
🎆
Independence Day Holiday
3 July 2026
Observed holiday in summer.
🏖️
Summer Session Ends
7 August 2026
End of summer term.
👋
Fall Semester Orientation
17 August 2026
Welcoming new students.
📅
First Day of Fall Semester Classes
24 August 2026
Fall term commencement.
🛠️
Labor Day Holiday
7 September 2026
Labor celebration day.
📝
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
14 September 2026
Course adjustment cutoff.
🦃
Thanksgiving Break Begins
25 November 2026
Holiday break start.
📚
Classes Resume After Thanksgiving
30 November 2026
Post-holiday resumption.
🏁
Last Day of Fall Semester Classes
7 December 2026
Fall classes conclusion.
📝
Fall Finals Week Begins
14 December 2026
Final exams period.

Frequently Asked Questions

📅When does the fall semester start at Columbia College Chicago?

Columbia College Chicago typically begins its fall semester in late August, following orientation weeks. This timing allows students to settle into Chicago and start creative courses like film or design. Plan your schedule by checking official updates, and for professor insights, visit Rate My Professor. This helps in selecting classes that fit your work schedule and deadlines.

🍂Does Columbia College Chicago have a fall break?

Yes, Columbia College Chicago includes a fall break, often around Thanksgiving, providing time for travel and family coordination. If no dedicated fall break, alternatives like long weekends are common. Use this for planning exams or holidays; check Rate My College for student experiences.

🏁What is the last day of classes in 2025 at Columbia College Chicago?

The last day of classes varies by semester, typically ending before finals in December for fall and May for spring. This marks the transition to exams and breaks. For planning, verify historical dates and track rival school events. Invite others to rate professors for prep tips.

🦃When is Thanksgiving break 2025 at Columbia College Chicago?

Thanksgiving break at CCC usually spans late November, aligning with the national holiday. It's ideal for family travel and resting before finals. Plan your work schedule around this; for more, explore higher ed jobs if considering staff roles.

🏖️What are the spring break dates for 2025 at Columbia College Chicago?

Spring break typically occurs in mid-March, offering a week for relaxation or creative pursuits in Chicago. Use it to plan holidays or verify historical dates. Students rate this break highly for recharging; share your views on Rate My Course.

📅When is the first day of classes in 2025 at Columbia College Chicago?

The first day varies by semester: late August for fall, mid-January for spring. This starts the academic year with orientations. Plan classes and exams accordingly; for faculty insights, check professor salaries.

🗓️What is the semester start for 2025 at Columbia College Chicago?

Semesters start post-breaks: fall after summer, spring after winter. This structure aids in planning deadlines and work schedules. International students note visa alignments. View ratings on Rate My Professor to choose wisely.

🎓When is graduation 2026 at Columbia College Chicago?

Graduation is usually in May, celebrating creative achievements. Plan family travel for this event. For career next steps, explore research jobs or rate your experience on Rate My College.

📝What are the admission deadlines for 2026 entry at Columbia College Chicago?

Key deadlines include early action in fall prior and regular in winter. Submit portfolios for creative programs. This affects prospective students planning applications. Learn more via university rankings.

❄️Does Columbia College Chicago observe winter break?

Yes, winter break follows fall finals, spanning December to January. Ideal for holidays and planning spring classes. Coordinate family travel; for staff, check employer profiles.

How to plan work schedule around CCC academic calendar?

Align shifts with semester starts, breaks, and deadlines. Faculty balance teaching with creative work. Use the calendar for efficiency; explore lecturer jobs for opportunities.

🎉What holidays does Columbia College Chicago recognize?

Federal holidays like Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and MLK Day are observed, with no classes. This aids in planning breaks and events. For international context, see higher ed jobs by country.

📜How to verify historical academic dates at CCC?

Access archives on the official site for past calendars, useful for tracking patterns or rival events. This helps in long-term planning; rate your historical experiences on Rate My Professor.

🌸When is spring semester 2026 at Columbia College Chicago?

Spring semester generally starts in mid-January, post-winter break. Plan exams and holidays accordingly. For admissions into this term, note deadlines. Check how Rate My Professor works.
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