FSU Academic Calendar

Fairmont State University, located in West Virginia, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, consisting of Fall and Spring semesters, with an optional Summer term. The Fall semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. The Summer term, often used for accelerated courses or catch-up credits, spans from late May to early August. A notable feature of Fairmont State’s calendar is its alignment with regional holidays and breaks, ensuring students have ample time for rest during major observances like Thanksgiving and Spring Break.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (classes begin for the academic year).
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 (university closed, no classes).
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (extended break for students and faculty).
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (end of semester assessments).
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (classes resume after winter break).
• Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026 (mid-semester break for relaxation and travel).
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (culmination of the academic year).
• Commencement Ceremony: May 9, 2026 (graduation for eligible students).

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 admission; decisions typically released by mid-December).
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (final deadline for Fall 2025; decisions by early April).
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2025 (submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (secure spot for Fall 2025; non-refundable after this date).
• International Student Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (additional time needed for visa processing).

The academic calendar at Fairmont State University aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions, where breaks often coincide with federal holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving. This structure offers predictability for students, including international ones, who may need to plan travel or visa renewals around these periods. Additionally, the university’s optional Summer term provides flexibility for those seeking to accelerate their studies or balance academic and personal commitments. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact deadlines as they may shift slightly year to year.