GWU Academic Calendar

Gardner-Webb University, located in North Carolina, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university typically divides its academic year into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer term for additional coursework or accelerated programs. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. Summer sessions often run from late May through July, offering flexibility for students to catch up or get ahead. A notable feature of Gardner-Webb’s calendar is its alignment with Christian holidays, reflecting the university’s faith-based mission, which includes extended breaks for Christmas and Easter.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated), marking the beginning of classes for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025, with no classes and campus offices closed.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated), providing an extended break for students and faculty.
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated), concluding the semester.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated), with classes resuming after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated), offering a mid-semester respite.
• Easter Break: April 3–6, 2026 (estimated), aligned with the holiday weekend.
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (estimated), followed by commencement ceremonies.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated), for students seeking priority consideration with notification by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2026 (estimated), for standard undergraduate admissions with decisions typically released by late March.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated), to ensure timely processing of aid packages.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated), to secure a spot in the incoming Class of 2030.
• International Student Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 (estimated), allowing additional time for visa processing and documentation.

The academic calendar at Gardner-Webb University aligns closely with regional and national norms for semester-based institutions in the southeastern United States, with start and end dates mirroring those of many peer universities. Breaks for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter reflect both cultural traditions and the university’s Christian heritage, offering students predictable periods for rest or travel. For international students, the calendar and admissions timeline provide reasonable windows to accommodate visa processing, though early application is encouraged. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are advised to consult official university resources for the most current information.