
Also known as: McKendree
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Student Orientation | 18 August 2025 | Welcoming event for incoming freshmen and transfers, including campus tours, advising sessions, and icebreakers to build community. |
| 🏠 | Move-In Day for Residence Halls | 20 August 2025 | Students move into dorms, with staff assistance; affects new and returning residents preparing for the academic year. |
| 📚 | First Day of Fall Semester Classes | 25 August 2025 | Official start of fall term; students begin courses, faculty commence teaching, impacting the entire campus community. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day Holiday - No Classes | 1 September 2025 | National holiday observance; university closed, providing a break for rest and reflection on labor rights. |
| 📅 | Last Day to Add/Drop Classes | 5 September 2025 | Deadline for schedule changes without penalty; crucial for students finalizing their course loads. |
| 🍂 | Fall Break Begins | 13 October 2025 | Short break for midterm recovery; students travel or study, faculty prepare for second half of term. |
| 📝 | Midterm Exams Period | 20 October 2025approximate | Week for midterm assessments; affects grading and student progress evaluations. |
| 🏈 | Homecoming Weekend | 25 October 2025 | Alumni events, games, and celebrations; boosts school spirit and community engagement. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Starts | 26 November 2025 | Extended break for holiday; students and faculty enjoy time with family, impacting travel plans. |
| 🔄 | Classes Resume After Thanksgiving | 1 December 2025 | Return to academic routine post-holiday; focus on wrapping up the semester. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Fall Classes | 12 December 2025 | End of regular instruction; preparation for finals begins. |
| 📘 | Final Exams Week | 15 December 2025approximate | Culminating assessments for fall term; determines grades and academic standing. |
| 🎓 | Fall Commencement Ceremony | 20 December 2025 | Graduation event for December completers; celebrates achievements with family and faculty. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 22 December 2025 | Holiday season break; university offices limited, allowing rest before spring term. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day - University Closed | 25 December 2025 | National holiday; no activities, focusing on cultural and religious observances. |
Are you planning on applying to McKendree next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at McKendree. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📩 | Early Action Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Submit for non-binding early consideration; ideal for proactive applicants seeking early responses. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Opening Date | 1 October 2025 | Start of financial aid application period; crucial for scholarships and grants. |
| 🗂️ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Standard deadline for fall 2026 entry; most applicants use this. |
| 🏆 | Priority Scholarship Deadline | 1 December 2025 | For merit-based aid consideration; submit early to maximize opportunities. |
| 🗣️ | Admission Interviews Period Begins | 15 September 2025approximate | Optional interviews for personalized assessment; schedule via admissions office. |
| 📬 | Early Action Notification Date | 15 December 2025 | Decisions released for early applicants; allows time for planning. |
| ✅ | Regular Decision Notification | 1 April 2026 | Standard acceptance letters sent; key for final choices. |
| 🤝 | National College Decision Day | 1 May 2026 | Deadline to commit and submit deposit; confirms enrollment. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | For students switching institutions; requires transcripts. |
| 🌍 | International Student Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Earlier cutoff for visa processing; includes English proficiency requirements. |
The academic calendar at McKendree College serves as the foundational framework for the entire university community in Lebanon, Illinois. As a private liberal arts institution, McKendree structures its calendar around a traditional semester system, typically divided into fall and spring terms, with optional summer sessions for accelerated learning or catch-up coursework. This setup allows students to balance rigorous academic pursuits with personal development, extracurricular activities, and part-time work. The calendar incorporates key periods for registration, add/drop deadlines, midterm assessments, and final evaluations, ensuring a predictable rhythm that aids in long-term planning. Traditions at McKendree include special emphasis on community-building events during orientation weeks and end-of-term celebrations that foster school spirit. Holidays are aligned with national observances, providing much-needed respites that align with family time and cultural celebrations. For instance, the calendar respects major U.S. holidays, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to observe them without academic conflict. Compared to larger state universities, McKendree's calendar offers more flexibility in smaller class sizes and personalized advising, which can make navigating the academic year smoother. Students often find that this structure positively impacts their mental health by building in regular breaks to prevent burnout. Prospective students should note how the calendar ties into admissions cycles, with key dates for applications and financial aid submissions integrated seamlessly. International students benefit from extended breaks that facilitate travel home, while faculty use the calendar for research planning and professional development. Overall, the McKendree academic calendar is designed to support holistic growth, encouraging participation in campus life beyond the classroom. If you're a student or alumni, consider sharing your experiences by rating your professors on Rate My Professor to help others make informed choices. For job seekers, explore higher ed jobs tailored to McKendree's vibrant community.
At McKendree College, semester dates are crafted to optimize learning while accommodating life's demands. The fall semester generally kicks off after summer, allowing time for students to settle in, while the spring term follows a winter interlude. This timing helps in planning course loads, with advisors recommending a mix of core requirements and electives to maintain balance. Tips for effective class planning include early registration to secure preferred slots, especially in popular departments like business or education. Students often rate their experiences highly when courses align with the calendar's built-in milestones, such as mid-semester reviews that allow for adjustments. Comparing to peer institutions, McKendree's compact terms encourage focused study without overwhelming extensions. International students appreciate how the schedule aligns with visa requirements and global holidays. For those juggling work, the calendar's predictability aids in scheduling shifts around peak academic periods. Parents and prospective students can use this structure to coordinate family commitments. Invite current students to rate professors based on how well they adhere to the calendar, providing insights for future enrollees. Explore lecturer jobs if you're interested in contributing to McKendree's academic rhythm.
Exam schedules at McKendree College are strategically placed at the end of each major term, with midterms offering interim checkpoints. Preparation tips include utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers and study groups, which are often scheduled around the calendar's key phases. Students find success by breaking down syllabi early, aligning study plans with break periods for review. The university's approach emphasizes fair assessment, with policies for accommodations ensuring inclusivity. Compared to other colleges, McKendree's exam periods are concise, reducing prolonged stress. Faculty provide guidance on effective strategies, and ratings on Rate My Professor often highlight professors' fairness in exam timing. International students benefit from preparatory workshops that consider cultural differences in testing styles.
Thanksgiving Break at McKendree College is a cherished pause in the academic year, typically encompassing the national holiday and surrounding days. This break allows students to travel home, recharge with family, and participate in traditional feasts and gatherings. Planning tips include booking travel early, especially for those flying from Lebanon, Illinois, to distant states. The university encourages safe travel and offers resources for those staying on campus, like community dinners. Traditions might include campus events leading up to the break, fostering gratitude and reflection. Compared to other U.S. universities, McKendree's break aligns closely with family-oriented values, impacting student well-being positively. International students often use this time to explore American customs or rest. For work-study students, it's a chance to catch up on deadlines without class interruptions. Share your break experiences by rating campus life on Rate My College.
McKendree College integrates various holidays and breaks into its calendar, including Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and spring break, tailored to the U.S. context. These periods provide essential downtime for rejuvenation, with spring break often used for travel or volunteer work. Planning tips involve aligning personal schedules with these breaks to maximize rest or productivity. The university's location in Illinois influences holiday observances, with winter breaks allowing for holiday celebrations. Compared to international systems, McKendree's breaks are generous, supporting mental health. Faculty use these times for professional growth, and students can explore university rankings during downtime. Invite feedback on holiday impacts via professor ratings.
Faculty and staff at McKendree College follow a work schedule synced with the academic calendar, including deadlines for grading, curriculum planning, and committee meetings. This structure ensures smooth operations, with tips for managing workloads through prioritized task lists. Compared to corporate environments, academic deadlines offer more flexibility but require self-discipline. Job opportunities in higher ed can be found at research jobs.
Faculty notes include key meetings and grading periods aligned with the calendar. Staff benefit from professional development during breaks. Invite employees to rate their employer on Academic Jobs. Check professor salaries for insights.
Historically, McKendree's calendars have evolved to include more flexible options, like online sessions introduced in past decades. Patterns show consistent alignment with national holidays. Archives are available for verification of past events, aiding in long-term planning.
Major events like orientation and commencement are highlights of the calendar. Students are invited to rate professors or view results to gauge teaching styles. Explore how Rate My Professor works.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌱 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 12 January 2026 | Start of spring term after winter break; new courses and renewed academic focus. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No Classes | 19 January 2026 | Holiday honoring civil rights; service events often held on campus. |
| 🗓️ | Last Day to Add/Drop Spring Classes | 23 January 2026 | Final adjustments to spring schedules; important for academic planning. |
| 📊 | Spring Midterm Period | 2 March 2026approximate | Mid-semester exams; opportunity for feedback and adjustments. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Commences | 9 March 2026 | Week-long break for relaxation or travel; recharges students midway through term. |
| 🚀 | Classes Resume After Spring Break | 16 March 2026 | Return to studies with refreshed energy for the final push. |
| 🐰 | Easter Holiday Observance | 5 April 2026 | Potential long weekend; aligns with religious holidays for many. |
| 📆 | Last Day of Spring Classes | 1 May 2026 | Conclusion of regular spring instruction; prep for finals. |
| 🖊️ | Spring Final Exams | 4 May 2026approximate | End-of-term assessments; critical for GPA and progression. |
| 🥳 | Spring Commencement | 9 May 2026 | Graduation ceremony; celebrates student accomplishments. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Registration | 15 May 2026 | Sign-up for optional summer courses; for accelerated learning. |
| 🇺🇸 | Memorial Day - No Classes | 25 May 2026 | Holiday honoring military; university closed. |
| 📖 | First Summer Session Starts | 1 June 2026 | Beginning of intensive summer term; shorter, focused classes. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2026 | National celebration; break in summer schedule. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 7 August 2026 | Conclusion of summer courses; grades finalized. |