JMU Academic Calendar

James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university divides its academic year into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with a shorter Summer session for additional coursework. 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. JMU also offers a Winter session for intensive short-term courses between the Fall and Spring semesters, providing students with flexibility to accelerate their studies or explore specialized topics. Breaks, including Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Break, align with common academic schedules in the United States, ensuring students have time for rest and personal commitments.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated, based on typical schedules). Classes begin for all students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). Campus closes for the holiday period.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated). Includes final assessments for the semester.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 11, 2026 (estimated). Extended break for students and faculty.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after Winter Break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated). Mid-semester break for students.
• Spring Semester End/Final Exams: April 27–May 1, 2026 (estimated). Concludes with final exams.
• Commencement: May 2–3, 2026 (estimated). Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (estimated). Non-binding application option with decision notifications typically released by mid-January 2026.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026 (estimated). Final deadline for Fall 2026 admission, with decisions typically released by early April 2026.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2026 (estimated). Recommended date to submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment for the Fall 2026 semester.
• International Student Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 (estimated). Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing and other requirements.

The academic calendar at James Madison University aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems in the United States, particularly those in the Mid-Atlantic region. Key holidays like Thanksgiving and extended Winter Break periods reflect typical scheduling considerations, ensuring compatibility with family and cultural observances. The inclusion of a Winter session offers additional flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for international students seeking to complete coursework ahead of schedule or during extended campus availability. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, JMU’s structure supports a balance of academic rigor and personal time, catering to a diverse student body with varying needs and backgrounds.