The University of Arizona
Also known as: UA
5 Star University
1200 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Also known as: UA
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 20 January 2025 | University closed for civil rights observance, honoring Dr. King's legacy; affects all students and staff with no classes. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 13 January 2025 | First day of spring classes; new students attend orientation, impacting enrollment and course planning. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 17 February 2025 | No classes; time for reflection on U.S. history, used by many for study or travel. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest and travel; students often visit family or explore Arizona attractions. |
| 📚 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2025 | Classes resume after break; refocus on midterms and projects. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 26 May 2025 | University closed to honor fallen soldiers; marks near-end of spring term. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 9 May 2025 | Last day of spring classes; followed by finals week. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session I Begins | 19 May 2025 | Start of accelerated summer courses; popular for catching up or advancing degrees. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2025 | No classes; celebrations with fireworks in Tucson. |
| 🏫 | Fall Semester Begins | 25 August 2025 | First day of fall classes; welcome events for new Wildcats. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day Holiday | 1 September 2025 | University closed; honors workers' contributions. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2025 | No classes; events to honor military service. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 27 November 2025 | Start of Thanksgiving holiday; family time and travel. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 30 November 2025 | Classes resume post-Thanksgiving. |
| ❄️ | Fall Semester Ends | 12 December 2025 | End of fall classes; finals follow. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 20 December 2025 | Extended holiday break starts; time for rest. |
Are you planning on applying to UA next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at UA. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Early Action Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Deadline for early undergraduate applications; increases chances for scholarships. |
| 🗓️ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 1 May 2025 | Final deadline for fall 2026 admissions. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Priority Deadline | 1 March 2025 | Submit financial aid forms for priority consideration. |
| 📬 | Early Action Decisions Released | 15 December 2025 | Notifications for early applicants. |
| ✅ | Regular Decision Notifications | 1 April 2026 | Admission decisions for regular applicants. |
| 💳 | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Secure spot with deposit. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 June 2025 | For students transferring in fall 2026. |
| 🎓 | Graduate Application Deadline (Varies by Program) | 1 December 2025approximate | Deadlines differ; check specific departments. |
| 🌍 | International Student Visa Deadline | 1 June 2026 | Final date for I-20 processing. |
The academic calendar at The University of Arizona (UA) serves as the foundational framework for the entire university community, guiding students, faculty, staff, and even families through the rhythms of higher education life in Tucson, Arizona. This calendar is meticulously designed to balance rigorous academic pursuits with necessary periods of rest and reflection, ensuring that Wildcats can thrive both intellectually and personally. At its core, the UA academic calendar typically follows a semester system, dividing the year into fall, spring, and summer terms, each with its own set of milestones like class starts, exam periods, and holidays. This structure has evolved over the university's rich history, founded in 1885 as Arizona's first university, adapting to the needs of a diverse student body that includes undergraduates, graduates, and professionals from around the world. Compared to other institutions, UA's calendar aligns closely with many public research universities in the United States, emphasizing extended breaks around national holidays to accommodate travel and family time. For students, this means ample opportunity to plan coursework around personal commitments, such as coordinating family travel or aligning with rival school events for sports enthusiasts. Faculty benefit from clear deadlines for grading and research, while staff can synchronize work schedules with university-wide closures. Prospective students often reference the calendar during admissions to gauge how terms align with their goals, especially for international applicants navigating visa timelines. Holidays play a pivotal role, with breaks like Thanksgiving allowing for rejuvenation amid the desert landscape of Tucson. The calendar's predictability aids in tracking historical dates for alumni events or verifying past academic years for transcripts. In essence, the UA academic calendar is more than a list of dates—it's a tool for strategic planning, fostering a supportive environment where academic excellence meets work-life balance. Whether you're a freshman plotting your first semester or a professor scheduling office hours, understanding this calendar empowers you to make the most of your time at UA. For those interested in faculty perspectives, check out Rate My Professor to see ratings and reviews from students. If you've had experiences with UA professors, we invite you to rate them and contribute to the community. Additionally, explore job opportunities at UA through our higher ed jobs listings.
The University of Arizona's academic calendar is a comprehensive guide that outlines the structure of the academic year, incorporating traditions unique to this flagship institution in the American Southwest. As a member of the Pac-12 Conference, UA integrates athletic events and rivalries into its scheduling, creating a vibrant campus atmosphere. The calendar typically features two main semesters—fall and spring—with optional summer sessions for accelerated learning or catch-up courses. Traditions like Homecoming Week add cultural layers, where alumni return to celebrate Wildcat pride, often coinciding with football games against rivals. Holiday notes are particularly important in Arizona's context, where the calendar respects federal holidays and incorporates state-specific observances, allowing students to plan breaks effectively. For instance, the alignment with national holidays ensures time for travel, especially for out-of-state students who make up a significant portion of the population. This structure supports diverse academic programs, from astronomy at the renowned Steward Observatory to business at the Eller College. Students can use it to plan classes around peak research periods or internship opportunities in Tucson's growing tech scene. Faculty appreciate the clear delineation of terms for grant submissions and conference attendance. Compared to smaller colleges, UA's calendar offers more flexibility with winter and summer intersessions. It's designed with inclusivity in mind, accommodating religious observances through flexible policies. For those evaluating professors, we encourage you to visit Rate My Professor and share your insights—your ratings help future students choose wisely. If you're a UA employee, rate your experience on our platform to highlight what makes working here special. Explore career openings via research jobs at Academic Jobs.
Planning classes at The University of Arizona involves understanding the general timing of semesters, which typically begin after summer breaks and extend through the academic year. The fall semester sets the tone with orientation activities, allowing new students to acclimate to campus life in Tucson's sunny climate. Class planning tips include registering early via the UAccess system to secure spots in high-demand courses like those in the College of Engineering. Students often rate their experiences on Rate My Professor, providing valuable insights for course selection— we invite you to view and contribute ratings for UA faculty. Spring semesters offer a fresh start post-winter, ideal for electives or study abroad programs. Balancing workloads with extracurriculars, such as joining student organizations or attending Wildcat sports events, is key. International students should factor in visa requirements when planning. For faculty, semester timings influence syllabus design and research integration. Overall, effective planning minimizes stress and maximizes opportunities, like coordinating with rival school schedules for collaborative events.
Exam periods at The University of Arizona are strategically placed at the end of each semester, providing students with dedicated time to review and demonstrate mastery. Typical schedules include midterms midway through terms and finals during the last weeks, often with reading days for preparation. Study tips abound, such as utilizing the university's libraries or forming study groups in the Student Union. Professors' teaching styles, as rated on Rate My Professor, can guide preparation strategies—students are encouraged to rate and review to help peers. Preparation involves time management, accessing tutoring services, and leveraging online resources. Faculty design exams to align with learning outcomes, ensuring fairness. This setup impacts everyone, from undergrads to grads, fostering a culture of academic integrity.
Thanksgiving Break at The University of Arizona offers a much-needed pause in the fall semester, allowing the community to recharge amid Arizona's mild autumn weather. This break typically spans several days, providing time for travel to family gatherings or exploring local attractions like Saguaro National Park. Traditions include campus events leading up to the holiday, such as charity drives or football tailgates if games align. Planning tips involve booking flights early, especially for students heading out of state, and coordinating with roommates for dorm closures. It's an ideal time to reflect on the semester's progress and prepare for finals. For international students, it introduces American customs, often through hosted dinners. Faculty use this period for research or family time, ensuring they're refreshed for the term's end. Overall, this break enhances well-being, with many rating their holiday experiences positively in university feedback.
The University of Arizona incorporates various holidays and breaks into its calendar, tailored to the U.S. context with emphases on Thanksgiving, spring break, and others like Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. These periods allow for rest, travel, and cultural immersion. Spring break, for instance, is popular for trips to nearby beaches or national parks, with tips including budgeting and safety planning. Thanksgiving break focuses on gratitude and family, while winter holidays extend for deeper recuperation. Locale-specific observances, like Arizona's Rodeo Day, add unique flavor. Students plan around these for optimal academic performance, often rating break impacts on platforms like Rate My College. Faculty align professional development accordingly. International students appreciate guidance on U.S. customs, making breaks inclusive.
Faculty and staff at The University of Arizona navigate work schedules tied to the academic calendar, with deadlines for syllabus submissions, grant applications, and evaluations. This structure ensures smooth operations, from lecture planning to administrative tasks. Tips include using university tools for time management and collaborating across departments. Deadlines often cluster around semester starts and ends, impacting research timelines in fields like optics or agriculture. Employees can rate their workplace on our site, highlighting UA's supportive environment. Explore openings in lecturer jobs.
Faculty and staff at UA benefit from calendar notes on meetings, grading periods, and professional development. Regular faculty senate meetings align with terms, while grading deadlines ensure timely feedback. Job links to higher ed jobs by country offer growth opportunities. We invite employees to rate their employer experiences, contributing to transparency.
UA's historical calendars reveal patterns, like consistent semester lengths since the 20th century, aiding in verifying past events. Future projections follow similar structures, adapting to educational trends. Archives are available for research, useful for alumni.
Key events like orientation and commencement mark calendar highlights, fostering community. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results for informed choices.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 19 January 2026 | University observance with no classes; community service events. |
| 📅 | Spring Semester Begins | 12 January 2026 | Kickoff of spring term with registrations and orientations. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Holiday | 16 February 2026 | Holiday break for presidential honoring. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026 | Week off for rejuvenation and adventures. |
| 📚 | Spring Break Ends | 15 March 2026 | Return to academic routines. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Remembrance day with university closure. |
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Ends | 8 May 2026 | Conclusion of spring classes. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session I Begins | 18 May 2026 | Summer learning commences. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026observed | Patriotic holiday observance. |
| 🏫 | Fall Semester Begins | 24 August 2026 | New academic year starts in fall. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Labor recognition day. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day Holiday | 11 November 2026 | Honoring veterans. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2026 | Thanksgiving holiday start. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Break Ends | 29 November 2026 | Post-Thanksgiving resumption. |
| ❄️ | Fall Semester Ends | 11 December 2026 | Fall term wraps up. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 19 December 2026 | Holiday season break. |
