
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | University offices closed; start of the new year with reflections on academic goals for students and faculty. |
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 20 January 2025 | Day of service and remembrance; classes may be suspended for community events. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 21 January 2025approximate | First day of classes for spring term; orientation for new students. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day | 17 February 2025 | Federal holiday; potential long weekend for study or travel. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Starts | 10 March 2025approximate | Week-long break for rest, travel, or internships; affects all campuses. |
| 🛫 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2025approximate | Return to classes refreshed for the latter half of the semester. |
| ✊ | Cesar Chavez Day | 31 March 2025 | California state holiday honoring labor rights; possible class cancellations. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day | 26 May 2025 | Honoring military personnel; end-of-spring activities may align. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 16 May 2025approximate | Last day of classes before finals and commencement preparations. |
| 🥳 | Commencement Ceremonies | 18 May 2025approximate | Graduation events across colleges; family celebrations. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2025 | Summer break highlight with fireworks and barbecues. |
| 📚 | Fall Semester Begins | 25 August 2025approximate | Start of fall term with welcome events and course registrations. |
| 👷 | Labor Day | 1 September 2025 | Holiday marking the end of summer; classes typically not held. |
| 🌿 | Indigenous Peoples' Day | 13 October 2025 | Recognition of native cultures; educational events on campus. |
| 🎖️ | Veterans Day | 11 November 2025 | Honoring veterans; possible symposiums or closures. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Starts | 27 November 2025 | Extended break for family time and feasting. |
| 🍂 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 30 November 2025 | Return to campus for final push before exams. |
| 📝 | Fall Semester Ends | 12 December 2025approximate | Conclusion of classes; exam period follows. |
| ❄️ | Winter Break Begins | 20 December 2025approximate | Holiday season break for rest and celebrations. |
Are you planning on applying to The Claremont Colleges Services next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at The Claremont Colleges Services. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Early Decision Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Deadline for binding early applications to member colleges. |
| 🗓️ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 1 January 2026 | Standard submission date for fall 2026 entry. |
| 💰 | Financial Aid Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Submission for scholarships and aid packages. |
| 📬 | Admission Decisions Released | 1 April 2026 | Notifications sent to applicants. |
| ✅ | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Commitment date for accepted students. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 March 2026 | For students transferring from other institutions. |
| 🌍 | International Student Deadline | 15 December 2025 | Early deadline considering visa processes. |
| 🏛️ | Campus Visit Days | 15 March 2026approximate | Open houses for prospective students. |
| 👋 | Orientation Registration Opens | 1 June 2026 | Sign-up for new student orientations. |
| ⏳ | Waitlist Decisions | 15 May 2026 | Final updates on waitlisted applicants. |
The academic calendar at The Claremont Colleges Services serves as the backbone of university life, structuring the rhythm of learning, teaching, and administration in this vibrant consortium of liberal arts colleges in Claremont, California. As a shared services organization supporting seven prestigious institutions—Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, Claremont Graduate University, and Keck Graduate Institute—The Claremont Colleges Services coordinates a unified academic calendar that harmonizes diverse educational missions while respecting individual college traditions. This calendar typically follows a semester system, with fall and spring terms bookended by orientation periods, exam weeks, and commencement ceremonies, ensuring a balanced flow for undergraduate and graduate students alike.
Historically, the calendar has evolved to align with broader U.S. higher education patterns, incorporating federal holidays and regional observances that reflect California's cultural diversity. For instance, it integrates breaks that allow for family gatherings during major holidays, while providing ample time for academic recovery and personal recharge. Compared to other systems, such as quarter-based calendars in some West Coast universities, The Claremont Colleges' semester model offers longer immersion in subjects, fostering deeper research and interdisciplinary collaboration, which is a hallmark of the consortium's approach. This structure impacts students by providing predictable milestones for course planning, internship pursuits, and extracurricular involvement, while faculty benefit from consistent grading and research windows.
For prospective students, understanding the calendar is crucial during admissions, as it influences application timelines, campus visits, and enrollment decisions. International students, in particular, appreciate how the calendar accommodates global travel needs, with breaks timed to minimize jet lag disruptions. Parents and families use it to synchronize visits or support during high-stress periods like exams. The calendar also aligns with national holidays, such as Thanksgiving and spring breaks, offering opportunities for rest, travel, or community service. In essence, it's more than a schedule—it's a tool for holistic planning, enabling everyone from first-year undergraduates to tenured professors to navigate the academic year with foresight and efficiency. By staying attuned to these rhythms, the community at The Claremont Colleges thrives, blending rigorous academics with personal well-being.
The academic calendar at The Claremont Colleges Services is meticulously designed to support the collaborative environment of its member institutions, providing a framework that balances academic rigor with essential downtime. Structured around two main semesters—fall and spring—the calendar includes intersessions for intensive courses or research, ensuring flexibility for diverse programs in liberal arts, sciences, and graduate studies. Traditions play a key role, with events like college-specific orientations and consortium-wide convocations marking the start of terms, fostering a sense of unity among the campuses.
Holiday integrations are thoughtful, incorporating U.S. federal observances such as Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which often extend weekends for reflection and community engagement. The calendar's design considers California's sunny climate, scheduling outdoor activities during milder seasons to enhance student experiences. For faculty, it outlines key periods for syllabus development and committee work, while staff rely on it for operational planning. Students use it to map out study abroad opportunities or internships, aligning personal goals with academic timelines.
Compared to larger state universities, this calendar emphasizes smaller class sizes and personalized advising, with built-in advising weeks to prevent scheduling conflicts. It's a living document, occasionally adjusted for unforeseen events like weather disruptions, but always with advance notice. To get insights from peers, check out professor ratings on Rate My Professor and contribute your own experiences to help others plan effectively. This resource not only aids in academic success but also promotes work-life balance in the dynamic Claremont environment.
Planning classes around semester dates at The Claremont Colleges Services involves understanding the typical flow from orientation to finals, allowing students to select courses that fit their majors and interests. The fall semester generally kicks off after summer, with ample time for registration and adjustments, while spring follows a winter interlude. Tips for effective planning include early consultation with advisors to avoid overloads and incorporating electives that align with career aspirations.
Faculty often rate highly for their accessibility during these periods, as noted in Rate My Professor reviews—invite students to rate professors or view results to inform choices. International students benefit from calendars that consider visa timelines, ensuring seamless transitions. Overall, this structure supports proactive scheduling, reducing stress and enhancing academic outcomes.
Exam periods at The Claremont Colleges Services are positioned at semester ends, providing structured time for review and assessment. Preparation tips include utilizing consortium libraries for group study and attending review sessions led by professors, who often receive positive feedback on Rate My Professor. Balancing study with wellness activities is key, leveraging campus resources for optimal performance.
Thanksgiving break offers a cherished pause in the academic year, typically spanning several days around the U.S. holiday, allowing students to travel home or explore California. Traditions include campus potlucks before departure, emphasizing gratitude and community. Planning tips involve booking flights early and using the time for rest or light studying, ensuring a refreshed return to classes.
For families, it's an ideal window to visit Claremont's scenic campuses. Faculty use it for research catch-up, often highlighted in employer ratings—employees are invited to rate their experiences on Rate My College.
Holidays and breaks at The Claremont Colleges Services are integrated to provide rejuvenation, including U.S.-specific ones like Thanksgiving and spring break for beach trips or volunteering. Travel tips emphasize sustainable options, aligning with the consortium's environmental ethos. These periods allow for cultural immersion, enhancing the educational experience.
Faculty schedules align with these for professional development, as seen in job opportunities listed on Higher Ed Jobs.
Faculty work schedules revolve around teaching loads, research deadlines, and administrative duties, with calendars marking key submission points. Tips for managing include prioritizing tasks and collaborating across colleges for interdisciplinary projects.
Meetings and grading periods are clearly delineated, supporting efficient operations. Job links to Lecturer Jobs and invitations for employees to rate employers encourage transparency.
Archives reveal patterns like consistent semester lengths since the consortium's founding, aiding long-term planning. Future adjustments may incorporate more hybrid learning days.
Key events like orientation and commencement highlight the calendar, with CTAs to Rate My Professor for insights—invite students to rate or view results.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎊 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Offices closed; new year resolutions for academic pursuits. |
| 🤝 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 19 January 2026 | Community service day; reflections on civil rights. |
| 🏫 | Spring Semester Begins | 20 January 2026approximate | Kickoff of spring classes with orientations. |
| 🦅 | Presidents' Day | 16 February 2026 | Holiday for historical learning and relaxation. |
| ✈️ | Spring Break Starts | 9 March 2026approximate | Break for rejuvenation and adventures. |
| 📖 | Spring Break Ends | 15 March 2026approximate | Resumption of academic activities. |
| 🌾 | Cesar Chavez Day | 31 March 2026 | Celebration of labor and civil rights. |
| 🌺 | Memorial Day | 25 May 2026 | Remembrance and start of summer vibes. |
| 🗓️ | Spring Semester Ends | 15 May 2026approximate | End of term with finals preparations. |
| 🎉 | Commencement Ceremonies | 17 May 2026approximate | Graduation festivities for all colleges. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2026 | Patriotic celebrations during summer. |
| 🍁 | Fall Semester Begins | 24 August 2026approximate | New academic year launch. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day | 7 September 2026 | Workers' holiday; extended weekend. |
| 🪶 | Indigenous Peoples' Day | 12 October 2026 | Cultural awareness events. |
| 🇺🇸 | Veterans Day | 11 November 2026 | Tributes to service members. |
| 🍗 | Thanksgiving Break Starts | 26 November 2026 | Family and gratitude focus. |
| 🏠 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 29 November 2026 | Back to studies. |
| 📚 | Fall Semester Ends | 11 December 2026approximate | Term conclusion. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 19 December 2026approximate | Holiday downtime. |