Higher Learning Commission
3 Star Employer Ranking
230 S LaSalle St suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | University closed for federal holiday; impacts staff and early planning for spring semester. |
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | No classes; community service events encouraged for students and faculty. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 21 January 2025approximate | First day of classes for spring term; orientation for new students. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | University holiday; potential for extended weekend break. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025approximate | Week-long break for students to recharge; travel planning advised. |
| 📚 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2025approximate | Classes resume after break; preparation for midterms. |
| 🎗️ | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | University closed; end of spring semester activities. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 2 June 2025approximate | Beginning of optional summer courses; flexible scheduling. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day | 4 July 2025 | Federal holiday; fireworks and events in Chicago. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Begins | 25 August 2025approximate | First day of classes for fall; welcome events for freshmen. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | No classes; marks unofficial end of summer. |
| 🌎 | Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day | 13 October 2025 | Observed holiday; cultural awareness programs. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2025approximate | Start of holiday break; family travel common. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Day | 27 November 2025 | Federal holiday; university closed. |
| 📖 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 30 November 2025approximate | Classes resume; preparation for finals. |
| 🏫 | Fall Semester Ends | 12 December 2025approximate | Last day of classes; exam period follows. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 13 December 2025approximate | Extended holiday period over Christmas and New Year. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | University closed; festive celebrations. |
Are you planning on applying to Higher Learning Commission next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at Higher Learning Commission. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Early Decision Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Deadline for binding early decision applications for fall 2026 entry. |
| 🗓️ | Early Action Application Deadline | 15 November 2025 | Non-binding early application submission for priority consideration. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Priority Deadline | 1 December 2025 | Submit financial aid forms for maximum aid eligibility. |
| 📅 | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Standard deadline for fall 2026 admissions. |
| 📝 | SAT/ACT Test Deadline | 6 December 2025 | Last test date for scores to be considered for applications. |
| 📬 | Early Decision Notification | 15 December 2025approximate | Applicants notified of early decision outcomes. |
| ✉️ | Regular Decision Notification | 1 April 2026approximate | Standard admission decisions released. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Deadline to confirm attendance with deposit. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | For students transferring in for fall 2026. |
| 🌍 | International Student Visa Deadline | 15 May 2026 | Recommended date for visa processing start. |
The Higher Learning Commission, located in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, operates on a structured academic calendar that serves as the backbone for students, faculty, and staff alike. This calendar outlines the rhythm of the academic year, dividing it into semesters that typically include fall, spring, and summer terms. Understanding its structure is crucial for effective planning, whether you're a prospective student mapping out your application journey, a current student scheduling classes and exams, or a faculty member aligning research and teaching deadlines. Historically, the Higher Learning Commission has maintained a traditional semester system, with roots in the broader American higher education model that emphasizes a balance between rigorous coursework and necessary breaks for rejuvenation. This system contrasts with quarter-based calendars used by some institutions, offering longer terms that allow for deeper immersion in subjects but requiring careful time management to avoid burnout.
For students, the academic calendar impacts everything from class registration to extracurricular involvement. It aligns with national holidays, providing built-in periods for rest and family time, which can be especially important for international students navigating cultural differences. Prospective students should note how the calendar influences admissions timelines, ensuring applications are submitted well in advance of key deadlines. Faculty and staff benefit from the calendar's predictability, allowing for coordinated work schedules that include professional development, grading periods, and administrative meetings. Compared to peer institutions in the Midwest, the Higher Learning Commission's calendar often mirrors those of other urban universities, incorporating locale-specific considerations like Chicago's harsh winters, which might influence break timings to accommodate travel challenges.
The calendar also plays a role in broader life planning, such as coordinating family travel or tracking rival school events for competitive sports enthusiasts. Holidays and breaks are strategically placed to align with federal observances, fostering a sense of community and work-life balance. For instance, breaks provide opportunities for students to engage in internships or research, enhancing their resumes. International students might find the calendar's alignment with global holidays helpful for planning visits home. Overall, mastering the Higher Learning Commission academic calendar empowers users to optimize their time, reduce stress, and maximize academic success. It's more than just dates—it's a framework for achievement in higher education. By staying informed, you can plan classes effectively, prepare for exams, manage work schedules, meet deadlines, and even verify historical patterns for long-term planning. Resources like professor ratings on Rate My Professor can further aid in selecting courses that fit your schedule. Whether you're verifying thanksgiving breaks or spring recesses, this calendar is your guide to a seamless academic experience.
The Higher Learning Commission academic calendar provides a comprehensive framework for the academic year in Chicago, Illinois. It features a standard semester structure with fall starting after summer, spring following winter break, and optional summer sessions. This setup includes key periods for orientation, registration, and commencement, ensuring smooth transitions. Traditions at the institution emphasize community events during holidays, fostering a supportive environment. Holiday notes highlight alignments with U.S. federal observances, offering respites that enhance student well-being. For those planning classes or tracking rival school events, the calendar's predictability is invaluable. We invite you to explore professor ratings on Rate My Professor to better inform your course selections. The calendar's design considers Chicago's urban setting, incorporating flexibility for city-based internships and cultural activities.
Comparatively, it shares similarities with other Midwest universities, but unique traditions like institution-specific welcome weeks set it apart. Students use it to plan exams and breaks, while faculty align research deadlines. International aspects include considerations for visa holders, ensuring breaks allow for travel. To dive deeper, check out higher ed jobs opportunities that fit this schedule. Overall, this calendar is essential for coordinating family travel and verifying historical dates, making it a cornerstone of academic life.
Semester dates at Higher Learning Commission guide class planning, with fall terms focusing on foundational courses and spring on advanced studies. Tips include early registration to secure spots in popular classes, often rated highly on Rate My Professor. Students should consider workload balance, incorporating breaks for optimal performance. The calendar supports planning work schedules and deadlines, ensuring no overlaps with personal commitments. Invite your peers to rate professors and view results at Rate My Professor for informed decisions.
For prospective students, understanding typical timings aids in application strategies. Faculty use these periods for curriculum development, aligning with lecturer jobs postings.
Exam schedules typically fall at semester ends, with midterms midway. Preparation tips include utilizing study groups and resources from How Rate My Professor Works. Time management is key, factoring in holidays for review time.
Students can track rival school events to avoid conflicts, enhancing focus.
Thanksgiving break at Higher Learning Commission offers a mid-fall respite, aligning with the U.S. holiday for family gatherings and travel. In Chicago, traditions include local parades and community events, providing cultural immersion. Planning tips involve booking travel early due to high demand, especially for international students. This break is ideal for recharging before finals, with tips on maintaining study habits remotely.
Coordinate with work schedules to maximize relaxation, and use the time to plan upcoming deadlines.
Holidays and breaks at Higher Learning Commission include U.S.-specific ones like Thanksgiving and spring break, offering time for travel and rest. Spring break often aligns with warmer weather for trips, while winter breaks cover Christmas periods. Planning tips emphasize safety and budgeting for family travel.
For those tracking rival school events, these breaks provide opportunities for attendance. Verify historical dates to spot patterns in holiday alignments.
Faculty work schedules revolve around semester timelines, with deadlines for grading and submissions. Tips include using calendar tools for efficiency.
Explore research jobs that align with these periods.
Faculty notes cover meetings and grading periods, with invites for employees to rate their employer on Rate My College. Job links to higher ed career advice support professional growth.
Historical calendars reveal patterns, like consistent holiday placements in past years. Future projections aid long-term planning for classes and breaks.
Key events include orientation and commencement. Invite students to rate professors or view results on Rate My Professor.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | University closed; start of new year planning. |
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | No classes; service-oriented events. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 20 January 2026approximate | Classes start for spring term. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Holiday observance. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026approximate | Break for rest and travel. |
| 📚 | Spring Break Ends | 15 March 2026approximate | Return to classes. |
| 🎗️ | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Closed for holiday. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 1 June 2026approximate | Summer courses begin. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Holiday due to weekend. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Begins | 24 August 2026approximate | Fall classes start. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | No classes. |
| 🌎 | Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day | 12 October 2026 | Cultural holiday. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 25 November 2026approximate | Holiday break starts. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Day | 26 November 2026 | Closed for Thanksgiving. |
| 📖 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 29 November 2026approximate | Classes resume. |
| 🏫 | Fall Semester Ends | 11 December 2026approximate | End of fall term. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 12 December 2026approximate | Winter holidays start. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Festive closure. |
