Maricopa Community Colleges - South Mountain Community College
Also known as: SMCC
5 Star Employer Ranking
7050 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA
Also known as: SMCC
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 20 January 2025 | College closed for civil rights observance, honoring Dr. King's legacy with community reflections in Phoenix. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 21 January 2025 | Start of spring term courses, welcoming students back for lectures and labs at SMCC campus. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 17 February 2025 | No classes, time for patriotic remembrance and potential campus events. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest, travel, or study catch-up amid Arizona's spring weather. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2025 | Return to classes post-break, refreshed for the remainder of the semester. |
| 🗓️ | Last Day of Spring Classes | 9 May 2025 | Conclusion of spring term instruction before finals week. |
| 📝 | Spring Finals Week | 12 May 2025start | Period for final examinations and assessments. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 16 May 2025 | Graduation event celebrating student achievements at SMCC. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 27 May 2025 | Beginning of accelerated summer courses for continued learning. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2025 | College closed for national celebration with fireworks in Phoenix. |
| 🏫 | Summer Session Ends | 7 August 2025 | Wrap-up of summer term, preparing for fall. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Classes Begin | 25 August 2025 | Launch of fall term with new student orientations. |
| 👷 | Labor Day Holiday | 1 September 2025 | No classes, honoring workers with a day of rest. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2025 | Observance for military veterans, campus tributes. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 27 November 2025start | Extended break for family gatherings and gratitude. |
| ❄️ | Last Day of Fall Classes | 12 December 2025 | End of fall instruction prior to exams. |
| 📊 | Fall Finals Week | 15 December 2025start | Final testing period before winter break. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 20 December 2025 | Holiday season recess for all campus community. |
Are you planning on applying to SMCC next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at SMCC. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Priority Application Deadline for Spring 2026 | 1 November 2025 | Early submission for spring entry, ensuring seat availability. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Submission Opens for 2026-2027 | 1 October 2025 | Start of financial aid applications for upcoming year. |
| 📝 | Fall 2026 Application Opens | 1 December 2025 | Beginning of applications for fall semester entry. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Cutoff for merit and need-based awards. |
| 📊 | Placement Test Deadline for New Students | 15 March 2026 | Required assessments for course placement. |
| ✉️ | Admission Decision Notification | 1 April 2026 | Release of acceptance letters for applicants. |
| 💳 | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Final commitment for admitted students. |
| 🗺️ | Orientation Registration Closes | 15 June 2026 | Last day to sign up for new student sessions. |
| 🌍 | International Student Visa Deadline | 1 July 2026 | Submission cutoff for F-1 visa processing. |
The academic calendar at Maricopa Community Colleges - South Mountain Community College (SMCC) serves as the foundational framework for the institution's educational rhythm, guiding students, faculty, and staff through a structured year of learning, assessment, and respite. As part of the larger Maricopa Community Colleges system in Phoenix, Arizona, SMCC's calendar is designed to align with the needs of a diverse student body, including working adults, transfer students, and those pursuing vocational certifications. Typically organized into fall, spring, and summer semesters, the calendar incorporates flexible scheduling options like accelerated courses and online formats to accommodate the bustling urban environment of Phoenix. Traditions at SMCC emphasize community engagement, with events that foster cultural awareness and professional development, reflecting the college's commitment to inclusivity in a multicultural city. Holiday observances are integrated thoughtfully, respecting federal and state recognitions while minimizing disruptions to academic progress. For instance, breaks are positioned to allow for family time and rejuvenation, which is crucial in Arizona's hot climate where summer sessions offer air-conditioned learning opportunities. Students often use the calendar to plan classes around work schedules, ensuring they can balance employment with education—a common scenario in this commuter-heavy college. Faculty rely on it for coordinating deadlines and professional development days. Compared to larger universities, SMCC's calendar is more compact and student-centered, with shorter terms that enable quicker credential attainment. This structure impacts admissions by providing multiple entry points throughout the year, appealing to non-traditional learners. International students appreciate the alignment with U.S. holidays, aiding their cultural adaptation. Overall, the SMCC academic calendar not only structures time but also enhances the educational experience by promoting work-life balance and community involvement. To get insights from peers, check out Rate My Professor for professor ratings that can help in class planning. Whether you're a prospective student or current enrollee, understanding this calendar is key to maximizing your time at SMCC.
At SMCC, semester dates are crafted to provide a predictable yet flexible structure for class planning, allowing students to map out their academic journeys effectively. The fall semester generally kicks off after the summer heat subsides, transitioning into cooler months ideal for focused study in Phoenix. Spring terms follow the winter holidays, building momentum toward summer opportunities. This setup enables students to plan classes around personal commitments, such as part-time jobs or family responsibilities, which are prevalent among SMCC's commuter population. Tips for effective planning include reviewing course catalogs early and consulting academic advisors to align schedules with transfer goals or career paths. Many students rate their experiences on platforms like Rate My Professor, providing valuable feedback on class difficulty and teaching styles that can inform your choices. The calendar's design supports diverse learning modes, from in-person lectures at the South Mountain campus to hybrid options, ensuring accessibility in Arizona's expansive metro area. By anticipating semester starts and ends, learners can coordinate with work schedules, avoiding overlaps that might hinder progress. International students find this predictability helpful for visa compliance and cultural adjustment. Overall, mastering class planning at SMCC leads to better academic outcomes and reduced stress.
Exam schedules at SMCC are typically positioned at the conclusion of each semester, providing a clear endpoint for intensive study periods. Preparation involves understanding these timelines to allocate time for review sessions and group studies, which are essential in a community college setting where peer support is abundant. Tips include utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers and library services in Phoenix, which offer quiet spaces amid the desert landscape. Students often share preparation strategies on Rate My Professor, highlighting effective methods from past courses. The schedule allows for adequate recovery time post-exams, aligning with breaks to prevent burnout. Faculty emphasize balanced preparation, incorporating real-world applications relevant to Arizona's job market.
Thanksgiving break at SMCC offers a cherished pause in the academic year, allowing the community to celebrate this quintessentially American holiday with family and friends. In Phoenix, where diverse cultures blend, the break provides time for traditional feasts, travel to nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon, or simply resting in the mild fall weather. Students use this period to recharge before final exams, often planning trips that align with Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Traditions might include community events on campus leading up to the break, fostering gratitude and connection. Planning tips involve booking travel early, especially for those heading out of state, and using the time for light study or catching up on assignments. This break impacts work schedules positively, giving part-time workers a chance to earn extra during the holiday season. For international students, it's an opportunity to experience U.S. customs, perhaps joining local festivities. Overall, Thanksgiving at SMCC enhances the sense of community and provides essential downtime.
SMCC's holidays and breaks are thoughtfully integrated into the academic calendar, reflecting both national observances and local Arizona traditions. Key breaks like spring break allow for travel to destinations such as Sedona or California beaches, offering respite from studies. Holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day provide days off for reflection and community service, aligning with the college's values. Planning around these involves coordinating family travel, especially for students with children, and tracking rival school events for sports enthusiasts. Breaks facilitate work schedule adjustments, enabling extra shifts or professional development. International students benefit from understanding these alignments, aiding in cultural immersion. Tips include using breaks for skill-building workshops or exploring Phoenix's vibrant arts scene.
Faculty and staff at SMCC navigate work schedules tied to academic deadlines, ensuring smooth operations from enrollment to grading. Deadlines for syllabus submission and course planning occur early in terms, allowing for structured professional timelines. This setup supports balancing teaching with research or community involvement in Phoenix. Tips for managing include using digital tools for deadline tracking and collaborating with colleagues.
Faculty meetings and grading periods at SMCC are scheduled to align with semester progress, fostering collaboration. Staff notes emphasize professional growth opportunities. Explore higher ed jobs or invite employees to rate their employer on Rate My College.
Historical calendars at SMCC reveal patterns like consistent semester lengths, aiding in long-term planning. Archives show evolutions in holiday integrations, reflecting societal changes. Future calendars maintain these traditions while adapting to educational trends.
Key events like orientation and commencement at SMCC mark significant milestones. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results to inform choices.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 19 January 2026 | Campus closed, community service events in honor of civil rights. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 20 January 2026 | Commencement of spring courses with enrollment support. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 16 February 2026 | Day off for historical reflection. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026 | Break for rejuvenation and Arizona adventures. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 15 March 2026 | Resumption of academic activities. |
| 🗓️ | Last Day of Spring Classes | 8 May 2026 | Spring term conclusion. |
| 📝 | Spring Finals Week | 11 May 2026start | Assessment period for spring. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 15 May 2026 | Celebration of graduates' accomplishments. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 26 May 2026 | Summer learning begins. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026observed | National holiday observance. |
| 🏫 | Summer Session Ends | 6 August 2026 | End of summer courses. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Classes Begin | 24 August 2026 | Fall term startup. |
| 👷 | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Labor recognition day. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2026 | Veterans' tribute. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 26 November 2026start | Thanksgiving holiday period. |
| ❄️ | Last Day of Fall Classes | 11 December 2026 | Fall instruction ends. |
| 📊 | Fall Finals Week | 14 December 2026start | Final exams. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 19 December 2026 | Winter recess. |
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