Tulane University School of Architecture
3 Star Employer Ranking
6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎓 | Spring Semester Orientation | 6 January 2025 | Welcome event for returning and new students to architecture programs, including campus tours and advising sessions to set the tone for the term's design studios and lectures. |
| 📚 | First Day of Spring Classes | 13 January 2025 | Commencement of spring coursework, focusing on advanced topics like sustainable design and urban planning, affecting all undergraduate and graduate architecture students. |
| ✊ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No Classes | 20 January 2025 | University holiday observing civil rights legacy, with optional community service events in New Orleans related to equitable design initiatives. |
| 🎨 | Spring Midterm Reviews | 24 February 2025Approximate | Jury-style assessments of ongoing studio projects, critical for feedback and progress in B.Arch and M.Arch programs, impacting student workloads significantly. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025 | Start of week-long recess allowing travel, rest, or internships; vital for architecture students to recharge before final projects. |
| 📅 | Spring Break Ends | 17 March 2025 | Resumption of classes post-break, with emphasis on ramping up for end-of-term deliverables in preservation and theory courses. |
| 🏁 | Last Day of Spring Classes | 25 April 2025 | Conclusion of regular instruction, followed by study days; affects scheduling of final critiques and portfolio preparations. |
| 📝 | Spring Finals Period | 28 April 2025Through May 2 | Dedicated time for examinations and design juries, determining grades for the semester and influencing summer plans. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Orientation | 19 May 2025 | Introductory sessions for optional summer courses in topics like digital modeling, benefiting students accelerating degrees or fulfilling electives. |
| 🌞 | First Day of Summer Classes | 27 May 2025 | Launch of condensed summer terms, ideal for internships alongside coursework in New Orleans' architectural firms. |
| 🇺🇸 | Independence Day - No Classes | 4 July 2025 | National holiday with campus celebrations, providing a break for patriotic events and family time in Louisiana. |
| 📋 | End of Summer Session | 8 August 2025 | Wrap-up of summer programs, allowing transition to fall preparations and potential travel for portfolio reviews. |
| 👋 | Fall Orientation for New Students | 18 August 2025 | Introductory events for freshmen and transfers, covering studio etiquette and resources in the School of Architecture. |
| 🔨 | Labor Day - No Classes | 1 September 2025 | Federal holiday marking the unofficial end of summer, with opportunities for local festivals in New Orleans. |
| 🖼️ | First Day of Fall Classes | 25 August 2025 | Beginning of the academic year, introducing core courses in design fundamentals and history, exciting for all levels. |
| 🍂 | Fall Break | 10 October 2025Through 11 October | Short mid-semester pause for rest or short trips, helping maintain momentum in intensive studio work. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break Begins | 26 November 2025Through 30 November | Extended holiday for family gatherings and reflection, a key cultural break in the U.S. academic calendar. |
| ⏰ | Last Day of Fall Classes | 5 December 2025 | Final instructional day before exams, focusing on wrapping up group projects and individual designs. |
| ✅ | Fall Finals Period | 8 December 2025Through 12 December | Culminating assessments via exams and presentations, pivotal for semester evaluations and holiday preparations. |
Are you planning on applying to Tulane University School of Architecture next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at Tulane University School of Architecture. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📄 | Early Action Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Priority deadline for undergraduate architecture applicants; non-binding, allows early decision on admission to Tulane's B.Arch program with portfolio submission. |
| 💰 | Financial Aid Priority Deadline | 1 December 2025 | Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile for maximum aid consideration for 2026 entry, crucial for out-of-state and international architecture students. |
| ⏳ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Final deadline for fall 2026 undergraduate admissions to the School of Architecture, including creative portfolio and essays on design passion. |
| 🎓 | Graduate Program Application Deadline | 1 February 2026 | Priority for M.Arch and preservation studies; requires GRE (optional), letters of recommendation, and professional portfolio for competitive edge. |
| 🖼️ | Portfolio Submission Window Closes | 1 March 2026 | Last chance to upload digital portfolios showcasing drawing, modeling, and conceptual work for architecture admissions review. |
| ✉️ | Admission Decisions Released | 15 March 2026Approximate for regular decision | Notifications sent via portal; accepted students prepare for orientation and deposit deadlines for fall 2026 enrollment. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 April 2026 | For mid-career transfers into architecture programs, evaluating prior coursework and studio experience for seamless integration. |
| 🌐 | International Student Visa Interview Period Begins | 1 May 2026 | Guidance on F-1 visa applications post-admission, including I-20 issuance for those entering in fall 2026. |
| 💳 | Enrollment Deposit Due | 15 May 2026 | Secure spot in the class by submitting deposit; non-refundable for most programs, confirming commitment to Tulane. |
| 🗣️ | Pre-Enrollment Advising | 1 June 2026 | Virtual sessions for admitted students to plan course schedules and housing, tailored to architecture curriculum needs. |
The academic calendar at Tulane University School of Architecture serves as a vital roadmap for students, faculty, and staff navigating the rhythm of higher education in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. This institution, renowned for its innovative programs in architecture, design, and urban planning, structures its year around a traditional semester system that balances rigorous coursework with opportunities for creative exploration and professional development. Typically, the academic year divides into fall and spring semesters, with optional summer sessions that allow for accelerated learning or internships in the architectural field. This structure fosters a dynamic environment where students engage in studio-based projects, lectures, and collaborative workshops, all while aligning with broader university traditions that emphasize community, resilience, and cultural immersion. Historically, Tulane's calendar has evolved to reflect its location in the Gulf South, incorporating flexibility for regional events and weather considerations, while maintaining alignment with national academic norms. Compared to other architecture schools, such as those in the Ivy League or public universities like UC Berkeley, Tulane offers a more intimate scale, enabling closer mentorship and hands-on experiences in historic preservation and sustainable design—fields where New Orleans' unique architecture provides an unparalleled living laboratory. For students, this calendar impacts everything from course registration to portfolio deadlines, influencing study abroad opportunities in Europe or Latin America, where international students must synchronize with varying term starts. Admissions processes tie closely to the calendar, with application windows preceding key enrollment periods, allowing prospective architects to prepare portfolios and visit the lush Uptown campus. Holidays and breaks, including major U.S. observances like Thanksgiving and spring recess, provide essential downtime for reflection and travel, often coinciding with family gatherings or professional networking in the design world. International students, comprising a diverse cohort at Tulane, benefit from clear delineations of these breaks to manage visas and cultural adjustments. Overall, understanding this calendar empowers better time management, reduces stress, and enhances academic success, whether you're a first-year B.Arch student sketching in the Richardson Memorial Hall or a faculty member coordinating guest lectures from renowned architects. By planning ahead, you can fully embrace the interdisciplinary spirit that defines Tulane University School of Architecture, turning potential chaos into structured creativity.
The academic calendar at Tulane University School of Architecture is meticulously designed to support the intensive, project-driven nature of architectural education. It follows a semester-based framework common to U.S. higher education institutions, with the fall term generally commencing in late summer to capitalize on the milder weather in New Orleans for outdoor site visits and fieldwork. This structure includes built-in periods for advising, registration, and orientation, ensuring that incoming students—whether pursuing undergraduate degrees in architecture or graduate programs in preservation studies—can seamlessly integrate into the community. Traditions at the school enrich this calendar, such as annual design charrettes that punctuate the semesters, fostering collaboration among students and faculty. Holidays are observed in line with federal and university policies, providing breaks that align with cultural events in Louisiana, like Mardi Gras season, which indirectly influences the pacing of early spring activities. For instance, the calendar accommodates flexibility around local festivities to avoid disruptions in studio work, a nod to the school's commitment to contextual learning. Students often praise the calendar's predictability, which allows for effective planning of extracurriculars, including participation in the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter events or competitions like the AIA Design Excellence awards. To gain deeper insights into course loads and professor effectiveness, prospective and current students are encouraged to explore Rate My Professor, where peers share ratings on instructors in core studios and theory classes. This resource is invaluable for selecting electives in sustainable architecture or urban design. Faculty and staff also rely on the calendar for administrative tasks, from syllabus development to accreditation reviews by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The school's location in the historic Garden District adds a layer of inspiration, with the calendar's breaks offering time to explore nearby landmarks like the Cabildo or engage in community service projects post-hurricanes, reflecting Tulane's ethos of public service. In comparison to peer institutions, Tulane's calendar emphasizes work-life balance, with fewer contact hours in studios to allow for independent research, yet maintains high standards for deliverables. International alignments ensure that exchange programs with schools in Paris or Copenhagen sync effortlessly. For those planning long-term, historical archives of past calendars reveal consistent patterns, aiding in forecasting future terms. Ultimately, this overview underscores the calendar as a tool for empowerment, enabling all members of the Tulane architecture community to thrive amid the creative demands of their pursuits. We invite you to rate your professors or view existing reviews to enhance your academic journey.
Navigating semester dates at Tulane University School of Architecture is crucial for effective class planning, as the school's curriculum demands precise timing for studio critiques, midterm reviews, and final presentations. The fall semester typically spans from late August through mid-December, providing a foundational period for introductory design courses and building technology lectures. Spring follows in mid-January to early May, focusing on advanced topics like parametric modeling and thesis development for graduate students. Planning tips include early registration during advising weeks, where faculty guide selections based on prerequisites—essential for sequential courses in structures or history of architecture. Students should factor in credit loads, aiming for 15-18 units per semester to maintain progress toward the five-year B.Arch degree without burnout. Tools like the university's student portal aid in tracking add/drop deadlines, preventing financial or academic penalties. Ratings from peers highlight the intensity of studio classes, often scheduled in blocks to mimic professional practice. To prepare, consult Rate My Professor for insights on workload and teaching styles, such as those in the acclaimed Norman T. Roulet Studio sequence. For working professionals in the M.Arch program, the calendar's evening options facilitate balancing jobs in New Orleans' booming design firms. International students planning classes must consider visa timelines and language support integrated into the schedule. Families coordinating travel can align visits with parent weekends, enhancing support networks. Overall, strategic class planning leverages the calendar's structure to build a robust portfolio, positioning graduates for roles at firms like Eskew+Dumez+Ripple. We encourage you to rate your courses to help others plan wisely.
Exam schedules at Tulane University School of Architecture are integrated into the broader academic calendar to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with final examinations concentrated at the end of each semester. These periods allow students to demonstrate mastery in areas like environmental systems or architectural theory through written tests, juried reviews, and portfolio defenses. Preparation strategies emphasize time management, starting with syllabus reviews during the first week to identify key assessment dates. Study groups form organically in the school's collaborative spaces, such as the Goldring/Woldenberg Hall, where peers share resources on past exam formats. Tips include practicing with mock juries, utilizing library reserves for reference materials, and seeking office hours for clarification—habits that ratings on Rate My Professor often commend in top faculty. The calendar's design minimizes conflicts, with exams spread over a dedicated week, accommodating the diverse needs of architecture students who may travel for site documentation. For graduate candidates, comprehensive exams align with thesis milestones, preparing for licensure paths like the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness workshops offered through Tulane's wellness center, complement this rigorous phase. Prospective students can gauge exam intensity via alumni reviews, informing decisions on program fit. In essence, thoughtful preparation transforms exam schedules from hurdles into opportunities for growth, solidifying skills for innovative architectural contributions.
Thanksgiving Break at Tulane University School of Architecture offers a welcome respite in the fall semester, typically spanning several days around the national holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November. This period allows students and faculty to step away from studio deadlines and recharge, often traveling home to join family traditions or exploring New Orleans' culinary scene with turkey feasts infused with Creole flavors. Timing generally includes classes pausing mid-week, extending through the weekend for safe travel via Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport or Amtrak routes. For architecture students, this break is ideal for reflecting on semester projects, perhaps sketching Thanksgiving-inspired designs or visiting local historic sites like the Garden District plantations. Traditions at Tulane include informal gatherings in residence halls, where international students learn about American harvest customs while sharing global recipes. Planning tips involve advance booking for flights, especially with potential weather delays in the Gulf region, and coordinating with roommates for dorm security. The break's significance lies in fostering gratitude and community, countering the intensity of design reviews. Families benefit from this window to visit campus, discussing progress with advisors. Post-break, the calendar ramps up toward finals, so using the time for light review enhances focus. For those staying local, volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity align with the school's service ethos. Overall, Thanksgiving Break enriches the Tulane experience, blending rest with cultural immersion in Louisiana's vibrant tapestry.
Holidays and breaks in the Tulane University School of Architecture academic calendar are thoughtfully placed to promote well-being and cultural engagement, with a focus on U.S. observances tailored to the Southern context. Key periods include Labor Day in early September, a brief pause for barbecues and reflection on work ethic; Thanksgiving Break in late November, as detailed earlier, emphasizing family and gratitude; Winter Break spanning December to January, providing extended time for holiday celebrations like Christmas and New Year's, often involving travel to colder climates or staying for NOLA's festive lights; Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, honoring civil rights with campus events on social justice in design; and Spring Break in March or April, a week for rejuvenation—perhaps beach trips to the Gulf Coast or architecture tours in Charleston. These breaks align with federal holidays, ensuring no classes on dates like Independence Day for summer sessions or Memorial Day. For U.S. students, they facilitate coordinating family travel, while international ones use them for visa renewals or visits home. Travel tips include monitoring hurricane season for fall breaks and leveraging student discounts on airlines like Southwest. In New Orleans, holidays intersect with local flavors—Mardi Gras preceding spring terms adds pre-Lent excitement, though the calendar avoids overlaps. Sustainable practices, like carpooling for breaks, reflect the school's environmental focus. Faculty use these times for research, such as presenting at AIA conferences. Ultimately, these intervals balance academic rigor with life's joys, inviting all to seek career advice on integrating work and rest.
The work schedule and deadlines outlined in the Tulane University School of Architecture calendar are essential for faculty, staff, and advanced students managing professional timelines. Faculty deadlines include submitting grades shortly after finals, preparing syllabi by summer's end, and attending committee meetings during designated weeks—crucial for curriculum updates in emerging fields like computational design. For student workers or those in co-op programs, the calendar flags internship windows during breaks, aligning with architecture firms' hiring cycles. Deadlines for thesis proposals, typically mid-semester, demand early planning to secure mentors and resources. Administrative staff coordinate events like guest lectures, syncing with the calendar to avoid conflicts. Tips for adherence involve digital calendars synced to the university system, with reminders for financial aid deadlines or graduation applications. Ratings on Rate My College often note the supportive environment for meeting these, praising efficient advising. In the competitive architecture job market, mastering these schedules prepares for real-world project timelines. Explore research jobs to see how academic planning translates to careers.
Faculty and staff at Tulane University School of Architecture navigate a calendar rich with professional development opportunities, from faculty senate meetings to grading periods that follow exam weeks. These notes highlight professional development days before terms start, allowing updates to teaching methods in areas like digital fabrication. Grading timelines are streamlined, with online portals facilitating feedback on student portfolios. Staff handle enrollment peaks, advising on course selections for the school's selective programs. Job opportunities abound, with links to lecturer jobs for those seeking roles in preservation or urbanism. We invite employees to rate their employer on platforms like Glassdoor via our integrations, sharing insights on work culture. Historical patterns show consistent support for sabbaticals during breaks. This structure ensures the school's excellence, benefiting all in the Tulane community.
Historical calendars at Tulane University School of Architecture reveal a legacy of adaptation, from post-Katrina resilience to expansions in sustainable programs. Archives, accessible via the university library, show shifts in term lengths to accommodate NAAB standards, providing patterns for future planning. Anticipating future calendars involves noting trends like extended summers for global studios. Students use this foresight for long-range goals, such as study abroad. Comparisons with past years aid in predicting intensities, like busier springs post-winter breaks. For admissions, historical data informs application strategies. This perspective enriches appreciation of the school's enduring commitment to architectural innovation in New Orleans.
Major events punctuate the Tulane University School of Architecture calendar, including orientation for new students with tours of facilities like the Simone Design Center, and commencement ceremonies celebrating graduates' achievements in capstone projects. These milestones foster community, with guest speakers from firms like Gensler. To evaluate event-impacting faculty, visit Rate My Professor for ratings on engaging lecturers. We invite students to learn how to rate professors or submit reviews, enhancing transparency. Other events like career fairs link to higher ed jobs, preparing attendees for the profession. These gatherings underscore the calendar's role in holistic development.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🗺️ | Spring Semester Orientation | 5 January 2026 | Annual kickoff for spring term, orienting students to new courses in advanced architectural technologies and theory. |
| 🏗️ | First Day of Spring Classes | 12 January 2026 | Start of lectures and studios, building on fall foundations with emphasis on collaborative design challenges. |
| 🌍 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No Classes | 19 January 2026 | Day of service and reflection, with architecture-specific events on inclusive urban planning in New Orleans. |
| 🔍 | Spring Midterm Period | 23 February 2026Approximate | Interim evaluations through critiques, essential for adjusting trajectories in thesis and elective courses. |
| ✈️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026 | Week off for exploration, professional shadowing, or rest, crucial for creative renewal in architecture studies. |
| 🚀 | Spring Break Ends | 16 March 2026 | Return to intensified coursework, preparing for capstone presentations and peer reviews. |
| 🎯 | Last Day of Spring Classes | 24 April 2026 | End of term instruction, shifting focus to exam preparation and final portfolio assembly. |
| 📊 | Spring Finals | 27 April 2026Through May 1 | Comprehensive assessments determining academic standing, with implications for summer opportunities. |
| 🎓 | Undergraduate Commencement | 15 May 2026 | Celebration of B.Arch graduates, highlighting achievements in design and preparing for licensure paths. |
| 🔥 | Summer Session Start | 26 May 2026 | Initiation of intensive summer courses, supporting degree acceleration and skill-building in fabrication. |
| 🕊️ | Memorial Day - No Classes | 25 May 2026 | Holiday honoring service members, with reflective events tying to architecture's role in memorial design. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Observed | 3 July 2026 | Adjusted holiday for summer students, featuring fireworks and discussions on national landmarks. |
| 🌴 | End of First Summer Session | 10 July 2026 | Conclusion of early summer term, allowing mid-summer breaks or travel for inspiration. |
| 📖 | Second Summer Session Orientation | 13 July 2026 | Setup for later summer courses, focusing on electives like historic preservation in the Crescent City. |
| 🤝 | Fall Faculty Retreat | 17 August 2026 | Pre-term planning for instructors, shaping the upcoming year's curriculum and studio assignments. |
| 🌟 | First Day of Fall Classes | 24 August 2026 | New academic year launch, exciting foundational and advanced architecture engagements. |
| ⚒️ | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Break for work-life reflection, with local events enhancing community ties in Louisiana. |
| 🍁 | Fall Midterm Break | 9 October 2026Through 10 October | Brief recess to sustain energy for ongoing projects in building sciences and theory. |
| 🍁 | Thanksgiving Recess | 25 November 2026Through 29 November | Traditional holiday pause for gratitude and family, integral to U.S. academic culture. |
| 👏 | Graduate Commencement | 22 May 2026 | Ceremony for M.Arch and PhD recipients, celebrating research contributions to the field. |
