
Also known as: MSU Denver
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | University holiday honoring civil rights leader; no classes, offices closed, community service events encouraged. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 21 January 2025 | Start of spring term instruction for all students; orientation for new enrollees. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday; classes may be held, but some services limited. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 24 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest and travel; no classes. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 30 March 2025 | Classes resume after spring recess. |
| 🏫 | Spring Semester Last Day of Classes | 9 May 2025 | End of regular instruction for spring term. |
| 📝 | Spring Finals Week | 12 May 2025 | Examination period begins; students complete assessments. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 17 May 2025 | Graduation event celebrating student achievements. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | Holiday honoring military personnel; university closed. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 2 June 2025 | Beginning of accelerated summer courses. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day | 4 July 2025 | National holiday; no classes, fireworks in Denver. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 8 August 2025 | Conclusion of summer term. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Classes Begin | 25 August 2025 | Start of fall term; welcome events for students. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | Holiday celebrating workers; university closed. |
| 🌿 | Indigenous Peoples' Day | 13 October 2025 | Observance; may include cultural events. |
| 🇺🇸 | Veterans Day | 11 November 2025 | Honoring veterans; classes held, events on campus. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2025 | Start of holiday break; travel and family time. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Day | 27 November 2025 | National holiday; university closed. |
| 📅 | Fall Semester Last Day of Classes | 12 December 2025 | End of fall instruction. |
| 📝 | Fall Finals Week | 15 December 2025 | Final examinations period. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 20 December 2025 | Extended holiday period starts. |
Are you planning on applying to MSU Denver next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at MSU Denver. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026 | 1 December 2025 | Early deadline for undergraduate applications to ensure priority consideration. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Submission Opens | 1 October 2025 | Start of financial aid application period for 2026 entry. |
| 📝 | Regular Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | Final date for submitting applications for fall 2026 admission. |
| ✉️ | Admission Decisions Released | 1 April 2026 | Notifications sent to applicants regarding acceptance. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Deadline to confirm attendance with deposit. |
| 👥 | Orientation Registration Opens | 15 May 2026 | Sign-up for new student orientation sessions. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 February 2026 | Last day to apply for university scholarships. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Student Deadline | 1 June 2026 | Deadline for transfer applications. |
| 🌍 | International Student Visa Deadline | 15 April 2026 | Final date for international applicants to submit visa documents. |
| 🏠 | Housing Application Deadline | 31 May 2026 | Deadline for on-campus housing requests. |
The academic calendar at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) 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. Located in the vibrant city of Denver, Colorado, MSU Denver is a public university known for its commitment to accessible higher education, serving a diverse student body that includes working professionals, first-generation college attendees, and international learners. The calendar typically follows a semester system, with fall and spring terms as the primary periods of instruction, supplemented by shorter summer sessions for those seeking accelerated coursework or additional credits.
Historically, MSU Denver's academic calendar has evolved to align with broader educational trends in the United States, incorporating federal holidays and regional observances that reflect Colorado's cultural landscape. For instance, the calendar often integrates breaks around national events like Labor Day and Thanksgiving, allowing students to recharge and connect with family. Compared to other universities, MSU Denver's schedule emphasizes flexibility, with options for online and evening classes to accommodate non-traditional students. This structure impacts student life profoundly, influencing everything from enrollment decisions to mental health, as well-timed breaks can prevent burnout and enhance academic performance.
For prospective students, understanding the academic calendar is crucial during the admissions process, as it helps in planning application timelines and orientation sessions. International students, in particular, benefit from knowing how holidays align with their home countries' observances, facilitating smoother transitions. Parents and families use the calendar to coordinate travel and support, while faculty rely on it for syllabus planning and research deadlines. Overall, the MSU Denver academic calendar is more than a list of dates—it's a tool for success, enabling effective planning for classes, exams, holidays, breaks, work schedules, deadlines, and even tracking rival school events. Whether you're verifying historical dates or coordinating family travel, this calendar ensures everyone stays on track. For personalized insights, check out professor ratings on Rate My Professor to choose courses wisely.
In essence, the calendar promotes a balanced approach to higher education, blending rigorous academics with necessary downtime. It reflects MSU Denver's mission to foster an inclusive environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom. By aligning with key reasons to search like planning classes, exams, holidays, breaks, work schedules, deadlines, tracking rival school events, coordinating family travel, and verifying historical dates, the calendar becomes an indispensable resource. For job opportunities in higher education, explore higher ed jobs on Academic Jobs.
The MSU Denver academic calendar is meticulously designed to support the university's urban, commuter-focused student population. It features two main semesters—fall and spring—each spanning approximately 15 weeks, with built-in flexibility for part-time and full-time learners. Traditions at MSU Denver include orientation weeks that emphasize community building and cultural events tied to Denver's diverse heritage, such as celebrations around Hispanic Heritage Month or Indigenous Peoples' Day, which may influence class scheduling or campus activities.
Holiday notes are integral, with observances like Veterans Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day often providing days off, allowing for reflection and community service. The calendar's structure encourages proactive planning, helping students balance academics with personal commitments. For faculty, it outlines key periods for curriculum development and professional growth. If you're a student, we invite you to rate your professors on Rate My Professor to help others make informed choices. Compared to more residential universities, MSU Denver's calendar prioritizes accessibility, with fewer long breaks but more modular scheduling options.
This overview highlights how the calendar adapts to Colorado's seasonal changes, ensuring that weather-related disruptions are minimized. It's a dynamic tool that evolves based on feedback from the university community, promoting equity and inclusion. For those interested in academic careers, visit lecturer jobs listings.
Understanding this overview aids in appreciating the calendar's role in fostering a supportive learning environment at MSU Denver.
At MSU Denver, semester dates are structured to maximize learning opportunities while accommodating the busy lives of its students. The fall semester typically begins after summer activities wind down, allowing time for enrollment and preparation. Class planning involves selecting courses that align with personal and professional goals, often using tools like the university's advising system.
Tips for effective planning include reviewing syllabi early and considering professor ratings on Rate My Professor. Students often plan around work schedules, ensuring that class times don't conflict with employment. The calendar's predictability helps in mapping out long-term academic paths, such as degree completion timelines.
For international students, understanding semester transitions is key for visa compliance and travel planning. We encourage viewing or contributing to ratings on Rate My College.
Overall, strategic class planning using the academic calendar enhances success at MSU Denver.
Exam periods at MSU Denver are positioned at the end of each semester, providing a culminating assessment of student learning. Preparation involves utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers and study groups.
Typical schedules allow for review weeks, helping students manage stress. Tips include creating study timelines aligned with the calendar and seeking feedback from professors rated highly on Rate My Professor.
Faculty design exams to reflect course objectives, often incorporating practical applications relevant to Denver's job market.
Thanksgiving break at MSU Denver offers a much-needed pause during the fall semester, typically aligning with the national holiday. This time allows students to travel home, engage in family traditions, and recharge before finals.
Planning tips include booking travel early, especially from Denver's international airport, and using the break for light studying or volunteer work. Traditions might involve campus events leading up to the break, fostering gratitude and community.
For faculty, it's a chance to grade midterms. Students can rate their experiences on Rate My Course.
This break enhances well-being and academic performance.
MSU Denver's holidays and breaks are tailored to U.S. observances, including Thanksgiving, spring break, and winter holidays. These periods provide opportunities for rest, travel, and personal growth.
Travel tips for breaks involve coordinating with family and considering Denver's weather. Spring break often aligns with Colorado's outdoor activities, like skiing.
The calendar includes federal holidays like Independence Day during summer. For more on university life, check university rankings.
These elements support a balanced student experience.
Faculty and staff at MSU Denver follow work schedules tied to the academic calendar, with deadlines for grading and reporting.
Timelines ensure smooth operations, from course planning to budget submissions.
Explore research jobs for opportunities.
Meetings and grading periods are key for faculty, with invites to rate employers on Academic Jobs.
Job links: higher ed career advice.
Archives of past calendars show patterns, like consistent holiday alignments. In the past, adjustments were made for events like pandemics.
Future calendars maintain traditions while adapting to needs.
Key events include orientation and commencement. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results.
For more, see professor salaries.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | Holiday; university closed, new year celebrations. |
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Civil rights holiday; no classes. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 20 January 2026 | Spring term commences. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Federal holiday observance. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 23 March 2026 | Break for relaxation. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 29 March 2026 | Return to classes. |
| 🏫 | Spring Semester Last Day of Classes | 8 May 2026 | End of spring classes. |
| 📝 | Spring Finals Week | 11 May 2026 | Exams start. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 16 May 2026 | Graduation day. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Memorial holiday. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Starts | 1 June 2026 | Summer courses begin. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Holiday observance. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 7 August 2026 | Summer term closes. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Classes Begin | 24 August 2026 | Fall start. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Labor holiday. |
| 🌿 | Indigenous Peoples' Day | 12 October 2026 | Cultural observance. |
| 🇺🇸 | Veterans Day | 11 November 2026 | Veterans honor. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 25 November 2026 | Holiday break starts. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Day | 26 November 2026 | Thanksgiving holiday. |
| 📅 | Fall Semester Last Day of Classes | 11 December 2026 | Fall classes end. |
| 📝 | Fall Finals Week | 14 December 2026 | Finals period. |