National American University
Also known as: NAU
5 Star Employer Ranking
5301 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Also known as: NAU
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | University closed for national holiday, marking the start of the new year with rest and reflection for students and staff. |
| 📚 | Winter Quarter Classes Begin | 6 January 2025 | Commencement of winter quarter courses, welcoming students back for academic pursuits. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | Holiday honoring civil rights leader; no classes, encouraging community service. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday; university observes with closure, allowing time for study or relaxation. |
| 🏁 | Winter Quarter Ends | 21 March 2025 | Conclusion of winter term, including final exams and assessments. |
| 🌸 | Spring Quarter Begins | 31 March 2025 | Start of spring quarter, with new course enrollments and orientations. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Week | 7 April 2025approximate | Mid-spring break for rest and travel, affecting all campus activities. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | Holiday remembering military personnel; no classes. |
| 🎓 | Spring Quarter Ends | 13 June 2025 | End of spring term with graduations and celebrations. |
| ☀️ | Summer Quarter Begins | 23 June 2025 | Launch of summer sessions for accelerated learning. |
| 🗽 | Independence Day | 4 July 2025 | National holiday with fireworks and festivities; university closed. |
| 🍂 | Summer Quarter Ends | 5 September 2025 | Completion of summer courses, preparing for fall. |
| 👷 | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | Holiday celebrating workers; no classes. |
| 📅 | Fall Quarter Begins | 15 September 2025 | Beginning of fall quarter with new student orientations. |
| 🪶 | Indigenous Peoples' Day | 13 October 2025 | Recognition of Native American heritage, especially relevant in South Dakota. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day | 11 November 2025 | Honoring military veterans; university observes. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 27 November 2025 | Extended break for family gatherings and gratitude. |
| ❄️ | Fall Quarter Ends | 12 December 2025 | End of fall term with finals and holiday preparations. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 15 December 2025 | Start of winter holiday period for rest. |
| 🎅 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Holiday celebration; university closed. |
Are you planning on applying to NAU next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at NAU. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Priority Application Deadline for Spring 2026 | 1 November 2025 | Early deadline for spring quarter applications to ensure priority consideration. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Submission Opens for 2026-2027 | 1 October 2025 | Start of financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year. |
| 🤝 | Early Decision Deadline for Fall 2026 | 1 December 2025 | Binding early decision for fall quarter entry. |
| 📝 | Regular Admission Deadline for Summer 2026 | 1 April 2026 | Standard deadline for summer quarter admissions. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 February 2026 | Cutoff for university scholarship submissions. |
| 🗣️ | Admission Interviews Period | 15 January 2026approximate start | Timeframe for prospective student interviews. |
| 📬 | Decision Notification for Early Applicants | 15 January 2026 | Notifications sent for early decision applicants. |
| 💳 | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Deadline to secure spot with deposit for fall. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Student Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | Final date for transfer applications. |
| 🌍 | International Student Visa Deadline | 15 April 2026 | Recommended deadline for visa processing. |
| 👥 | Orientation Registration Deadline | 1 August 2026 | Signup cutoff for new student orientation. |
The academic calendar at National American University (NAU) serves as the foundational framework for the institution's educational operations, guiding students, faculty, and staff through the rhythms of the academic year. Located in Rapid City, South Dakota, NAU operates on a quarter system, which differs from the more common semester structure found in many universities. This system divides the year into four quarters, each typically lasting about 11 weeks, allowing for more frequent course offerings and flexibility in scheduling. This structure is particularly beneficial for non-traditional students, including working adults and those pursuing accelerated degrees, as it enables them to complete their education more quickly. Historically, NAU has evolved its calendar to accommodate the needs of its diverse student body, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to ensure it aligns with professional and personal commitments. Compared to other institutions, NAU's quarter system contrasts with the semester models of larger state universities, offering shorter terms that can reduce burnout but require more intensive focus. For students, this impacts planning by necessitating careful course selection each quarter to meet degree requirements efficiently. Faculty benefit from the structure through more opportunities to teach varied courses, while staff manage administrative tasks like registration and advising on a rolling basis. The calendar also integrates national and local holidays, such as those specific to South Dakota, ensuring minimal disruption to learning. International students at NAU appreciate the calendar's predictability, which aids in visa compliance and travel planning. Admissions processes are timed to align with quarter starts, making it easier for prospective students to join at multiple points throughout the year. Overall, the NAU academic calendar is designed to foster a supportive environment that balances academic rigor with life's demands. For insights into professor performance, we invite you to rate your professors or view existing ratings on our platform. This can help in selecting courses that fit your learning style. Additionally, explore higher ed jobs available at NAU and beyond through Academic Jobs.
Although NAU uses a quarter system rather than traditional semesters, planning for class schedules follows similar principles, with terms beginning at regular intervals throughout the year. This allows students to plan their academic paths with precision, aligning coursework with personal and professional obligations. Typically, the academic year includes fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters, each offering a range of classes from business to health sciences, reflecting NAU's focus on career-oriented education. Students are encouraged to use the calendar for strategic planning, such as stacking prerequisite courses in earlier quarters to free up time for electives later. This approach can enhance academic success by distributing workload evenly. Faculty often provide syllabi in advance, aiding in preparation. For those juggling work, the flexible timing supports part-time study options. Ratings from platforms like Rate My Professor can inform choices; we invite students to rate professors to share experiences and help peers. Comparing to other South Dakota institutions, NAU's system offers more entry points, beneficial for transfer students. International applicants should note how quarter starts align with visa timelines. Parents and advisors can use the calendar to coordinate support, ensuring deadlines for registration are met. Overall, effective class planning at NAU involves reviewing the academic schedule early, consulting advisors, and leveraging resources like how Rate My Professor works for informed decisions. Explore related opportunities through lecturer jobs listings on Academic Jobs.
Exam periods at National American University are integrated into each quarter's end, providing structured opportunities for assessment. These times are crucial for students to demonstrate mastery of material, often including midterms and finals that vary by course. Preparation tips include creating study groups, utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers, and reviewing past exams where available. Faculty emphasize consistent study habits throughout the quarter to avoid cramming. The calendar's design ensures exam weeks align with minimal conflicts, allowing focus on academics. For staff, this period involves proctoring and grading coordination. Students can benefit from professor ratings to choose instructors whose teaching styles support strong exam performance; visit Rate My Professor to view or contribute ratings. In comparison to semester-based schools, NAU's shorter terms mean more frequent exams, which can reinforce learning through repetition. International students should plan for potential travel restrictions around these times. Effective preparation also involves balancing health and wellness, with NAU offering support services. Advisors recommend mapping out exam schedules early to allocate study time efficiently. For faculty seeking positions, check research jobs on Academic Jobs.
As a U.S.-based institution, National American University observes Thanksgiving break, providing a welcome pause in the academic routine. This holiday period allows students and faculty to recharge, often aligning with family gatherings and traditions. In Rapid City, South Dakota, the break ties into local customs, including community events and reflections on Native American heritage, given the region's history. Planning tips include booking travel early, especially for those heading out of state, and using the time for light review or catching up on assignments. The break's placement in the fall quarter helps mitigate mid-term fatigue. Students can coordinate with family for travel, ensuring it doesn't overlap with key deadlines. Traditions might involve volunteer work or cultural activities, enriching the experience. For international students, it's an opportunity to explore American customs or rest. Faculty use this time for professional development or research. We encourage sharing experiences by rating your college environment at Rate My College. Compared to other holidays, Thanksgiving offers a unique blend of rest and reflection, impacting academic momentum positively when planned well. Explore job opportunities in higher education via higher ed jobs by country.
National American University's calendar incorporates various holidays and breaks, tailored to its U.S. location in South Dakota. Key observances include federal holidays like Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day, alongside university-specific breaks such as spring break and winter holidays. These periods are essential for rest, travel, and personal growth. For instance, spring break offers a chance for rejuvenation before final exams, with tips for safe travel including budgeting and group planning. Thanksgiving break, as noted, emphasizes family and gratitude. Winter breaks align with Christmas and New Year's, allowing extended time off. In a South Dakota context, breaks might coincide with state events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally influences, though not directly. International students can use these times to visit home or explore the U.S. Faculty plan around them for syllabus design. Planning involves checking the calendar early to align with work schedules or family travel. Alternatives to formal breaks include mini-vacations during weekends. We invite you to rate your courses to discuss how breaks impact learning. Compared to UK or Australian systems, NAU's breaks are more aligned with American cultural norms. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.
For faculty and staff at National American University, the academic calendar dictates work schedules and key deadlines, ensuring smooth operations. This includes timelines for course preparation, grading periods, and administrative tasks like budget submissions. Deadlines for tenure reviews or grant applications often align with quarter ends. Balancing these with teaching loads requires effective time management. Staff in admissions handle rolling deadlines due to the quarter system. Tips include using digital tools for tracking and collaborating with colleagues. The calendar's structure supports professional development during slower periods. Employees are encouraged to view employer profiles and rate their experiences to foster improvements. In Rapid City, local events might influence scheduling flexibility. International faculty note how U.S. holidays affect workflows. Overall, adhering to these schedules enhances productivity and job satisfaction. Explore professor salaries for insights into compensation.
Faculty and staff at NAU benefit from calendar notes on meetings, grading deadlines, and professional events. Regular faculty meetings occur at quarter starts, discussing curriculum updates. Grading periods are tightly scheduled to provide timely feedback. Job links to opportunities like university rankings can aid career progression. We invite employees to rate their employer experiences on our platform to contribute to transparency. Staff notes include training sessions and compliance deadlines. In a university setting, these elements ensure operational efficiency. International staff appreciate notes on visa-related timings. Collaboration tools help manage these aspects. For those seeking new roles, check job board software resources.
Historically, NAU's academic calendars have adapted to educational trends, with past adjustments for online learning expansions. Archives show patterns like consistent quarter lengths since the university's founding. Future calendars are projected based on these patterns, incorporating feedback for improvements. This helps in long-term planning for degrees or careers. Students can review historical data for trends in holiday alignments. Faculty use it for research continuity. We encourage viewing Ivy League schools comparisons for broader context.
Major events like orientation and commencement are highlights in the NAU calendar, fostering community. Orientation introduces new students to campus life, while commencement celebrates achievements. Professor ratings play a key role in event satisfaction; we invite students to rate professors or view results to enhance future experiences. These events often include guest speakers and networking. Planning tips include early registration. For faculty, participating in events is part of professional duties. Explore Ivy League guide for aspirational insights.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | University closure for the new year, promoting renewal. |
| 📚 | Winter Quarter Classes Begin | 5 January 2026 | Resumption of academic activities in winter quarter. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Day of service and remembrance; no classes. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Federal holiday observance. |
| 🏁 | Winter Quarter Ends | 20 March 2026 | Term conclusion with evaluations. |
| 🌸 | Spring Quarter Begins | 30 March 2026 | Initiation of spring term courses. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Week | 6 April 2026approximate | Break for rejuvenation mid-spring. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Remembrance holiday. |
| 🎓 | Spring Quarter Ends | 12 June 2026 | End of spring with commencements. |
| ☀️ | Summer Quarter Begins | 22 June 2026 | Summer session start. |
| 🗽 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Holiday observance on Friday. |
| 🍂 | Summer Quarter Ends | 4 September 2026 | Summer term wrap-up. |
| 👷 | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Workers' holiday. |
| 📅 | Fall Quarter Begins | 14 September 2026 | Fall term commencement. |
| 🪶 | Indigenous Peoples' Day | 12 October 2026 | Cultural recognition day. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day | 11 November 2026 | Veterans' honor day. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 26 November 2026 | Thanksgiving holiday period. |
| ❄️ | Fall Quarter Ends | 11 December 2026 | Fall term end. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 14 December 2026 | Holiday break start. |
| 🎅 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Christmas holiday. |
There are currently no jobs available.
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted
