Santa Monica College
Also known as: SMC
5 Star Employer Ranking
1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Also known as: SMC
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | Campus closed for New Year's Day, marking the start of the year with rest and reflection for students and staff. |
| 📅 | Winter Session Begins | 6 January 2025 | Start of accelerated winter courses, ideal for catching up or advancing credits. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | Holiday honoring civil rights leader; campus events may include discussions on social justice. |
| 🌸 | Spring Semester Begins | 10 February 2025 | Official start of spring classes, with orientations for new students. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday; no classes, time for community service or study. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 7 April 2025 | Week-long break for relaxation and travel, affecting all students. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 13 April 2025 | Return to classes after break, with refreshed focus. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | Holiday honoring military personnel; campus closed. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 10 June 2025 | Conclusion of spring term with finals and graduations. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Begins | 16 June 2025 | Start of summer classes for continued learning. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day | 4 July 2025 | National holiday with fireworks and celebrations; no classes. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 8 August 2025 | End of summer term, preparing for fall. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Begins | 25 August 2025 | Kickoff of fall classes with welcome events. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | Holiday celebrating workers; campus closed. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day | 11 November 2025 | Honoring veterans with campus observances. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 27 November 2025 | Start of Thanksgiving holiday for family time. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 30 November 2025 | Return from break, resuming classes. |
| 📚 | Fall Semester Ends | 15 December 2025 | Conclusion of fall term with exams. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 16 December 2025 | Holiday break for rest and celebrations. |
Are you planning on applying to SMC next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at SMC. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline | 1 June 2025 | Priority deadline for fall 2026 admissions to secure enrollment. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Submission Opens for 2026-2027 | 1 October 2025 | Start of financial aid applications for the upcoming year. |
| 🗓️ | Spring 2026 Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Final date for spring 2026 admissions. |
| 🌍 | International Student Application Deadline for Fall 2026 | 1 December 2025 | Deadline for international applicants. |
| 📝 | Placement Test Deadline for New Students | 15 January 2026 | Required tests for course placement. |
| 📨 | Admission Decisions Released for Spring 2026 | 20 January 2026 | Notifications sent to applicants. |
| 💳 | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Secure spot with deposit. |
| 👥 | Orientation for New Students | 5 February 2026 | Mandatory sessions for incoming students. |
| ☀️ | Summer 2026 Application Opens | 1 March 2026 | Applications begin for summer session. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 March 2026 | Apply for financial awards. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline for Fall 2026 | 1 April 2026 | Deadline for transferring students. |
Santa Monica College, located in the vibrant coastal city of Santa Monica, California, follows a structured academic calendar that aligns with the typical community college system in the United States. The calendar is divided into fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions, providing flexibility for students pursuing associate degrees, certificates, or transfer programs to four-year universities. This setup allows for a balance between rigorous coursework and essential breaks, ensuring students can recharge while progressing toward their educational goals. Traditions at SMC include a strong emphasis on community engagement, with events that foster cultural awareness and academic excellence. Holidays are observed in line with federal and state recognitions, such as Labor Day and Veterans Day, which often provide short respites during the semester. For those planning their year, the calendar serves as a vital tool for coordinating classes, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments. If you're a student or faculty member, consider visiting Rate My Professor to share or view insights on instructors, helping to make informed decisions about course selections. The academic year at SMC is designed to accommodate diverse student populations, including working adults and international learners, with options for online and hybrid classes. Compared to larger universities, SMC's calendar offers more condensed sessions, like the winter intersession, which is ideal for accelerating degree completion. This structure impacts students by allowing for better work-life balance, especially in a bustling area like Santa Monica where many balance jobs with studies. Admissions processes are integrated into the calendar, with rolling deadlines that encourage early applications for priority enrollment. International students benefit from specific orientations timed to align with semester starts, easing their transition into the U.S. education system. Holiday alignments, such as those around Thanksgiving, provide opportunities for family gatherings or travel, while spring breaks offer a chance to explore California's beaches or engage in volunteer work. Historically, SMC's calendar has evolved to include more flexible scheduling in response to student feedback, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. For faculty, it outlines key periods for curriculum planning and professional development. Overall, understanding the SMC academic calendar empowers everyone involved to maximize their time and resources effectively. Whether you're tracking rival school events or planning family travel, this calendar is indispensable. We invite you to rate your professors on Rate My Professor to contribute to the community. For job opportunities, explore higher ed jobs tailored to Santa Monica College.
At Santa Monica College, semester dates are thoughtfully arranged to support effective class planning. The fall semester typically begins after the summer break, allowing students to enroll in a variety of courses ranging from general education to specialized vocational training. This period is crucial for setting academic goals, with advisors recommending early registration to secure spots in high-demand classes like those in the arts or sciences. Tips for planning include reviewing prerequisites and using the college's online portal for real-time availability. Students often rate their experiences on platforms like Rate My Professor, which can guide choices by highlighting effective teaching styles. The spring semester follows a brief winter session, offering another window for advancement. Planning involves balancing course loads with potential internships, especially in fields like business or technology, where SMC has strong partnerships. Ratings from past students emphasize the importance of professors who provide clear syllabi and engaging lectures. For those coordinating with work schedules, evening and weekend classes are abundant, making it easier to plan without conflicts. International students should note visa requirements when planning long-term enrollment across semesters. Comparing to other California community colleges, SMC's schedule is competitive, with shorter terms that accelerate progress toward transfer. Faculty use this time to innovate curricula, incorporating real-world applications. Deadlines for adding or dropping classes are strict, so proactive planning is key. We encourage viewing professor ratings on Rate My Professor or sharing your own to help peers. For career growth, check out lecturer jobs in higher education.
Exam schedules at Santa Monica College are integrated into the end of each semester, providing structured periods for assessments that evaluate student learning. Typically, finals occur over a dedicated week, allowing ample time for review. Preparation tips include forming study groups, utilizing the college's tutoring centers, and accessing online resources. Professors often share study guides, and ratings on Rate My Professor can reveal which instructors offer helpful exam prep sessions. Midterms are scattered throughout the term, testing ongoing comprehension. Effective strategies involve time management, such as breaking down material into manageable sections and practicing past exams. For high-stakes tests, like those in STEM fields, additional workshops are available. The impact on students is significant, as strong performance can influence GPA and transfer opportunities. Faculty design exams to align with learning outcomes, ensuring fairness. We invite students to rate their professors on Rate My Professor based on exam fairness and support.
Thanksgiving break at Santa Monica College offers a welcome pause in the fall semester, aligning with the national holiday. This time allows students to travel home, enjoy family traditions, or relax in the local area. Planning tips include booking flights early due to high demand in California and coordinating with class schedules to avoid missing assignments. Traditions might involve community service or attending local parades, enhancing the cultural experience. For international students, it's an opportunity to learn about American customs. The break impacts work schedules, giving part-time employees a chance to recharge. We recommend using this time to review professor ratings on Rate My Professor for upcoming courses.
Santa Monica College observes various holidays and breaks that punctuate the academic year, providing essential downtime. In the U.S. context, this includes Thanksgiving and spring break, where students often plan trips to nearby beaches or national parks. Travel tips emphasize budgeting and safety, especially for group outings. Other breaks align with federal holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, offering reflection on social justice themes relevant to SMC's diverse community. For faculty, these periods are for grading and planning. Compared to UK systems with Christmas and Easter breaks, SMC's calendar is more semester-focused. Australian influences aren't direct, but international students bring global perspectives to holiday celebrations. Planning family travel around these breaks ensures minimal disruption to studies. Check Rate My College for insights on how breaks affect campus life.
Faculty and staff at Santa Monica College adhere to work schedules tied to the academic calendar, with deadlines for syllabus submission, grading, and committee meetings. This structure supports efficient operations, allowing time for research and student advising. Tips for managing include using digital tools for tracking. Job links to research jobs can aid career planning.
Faculty notes include key meetings and grading periods, with invitations to rate employers on Rate My College. Explore professor salaries for insights.
Historically, SMC's calendars have adapted to enrollment trends, with past adjustments for pandemics. Future patterns suggest continued flexibility. Archives are available on the official site SMC website.
Key events like orientation and commencement are highlights. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Campus closed, beginning the new year. |
| 📅 | Winter Session Begins | 5 January 2026 | Accelerated winter courses start. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Civil rights holiday with events. |
| 🌸 | Spring Semester Begins | 9 February 2026 | Spring classes commence. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Federal holiday observance. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 6 April 2026 | Week for travel and rest. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 12 April 2026 | Classes resume post-break. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Honoring military; closed. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 9 June 2026 | End of spring with graduations. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Begins | 15 June 2026 | Summer learning starts. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Holiday celebration. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Session Ends | 7 August 2026 | Summer term concludes. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Begins | 24 August 2026 | Fall classes begin. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Workers' holiday. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day | 11 November 2026 | Veterans honored. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2026 | Thanksgiving start. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 29 November 2026 | Break ends. |
| 📚 | Fall Semester Ends | 14 December 2026 | Fall term ends. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 15 December 2026 | Holiday break. |
