University of St. Francis
Also known as: USF
5 Star Employer Ranking
500 Wilcox St, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
Also known as: USF
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 20 January 2025 | University-wide holiday honoring civil rights leader; no classes, offices closed, encouraging community service. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 13 January 2025 | Start of spring term with course registrations and orientations for new students. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Observance | 17 February 2025 | Holiday commemorating U.S. presidents; potential class cancellations or events. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 10 March 2025 | Week-long break for rest, travel, or study; aligns with regional school schedules. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday Holiday | 18 April 2025 | Religious observance; university may close or adjust schedules. |
| 📝 | Spring Semester Finals Week | 5 May 2025approximate | End-of-term examinations; study periods and support services available. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 10 May 2025 | Graduation event celebrating student achievements; family attendance encouraged. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Honoring military personnel; university closed. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Start | 2 June 2025 | Beginning of optional summer courses for accelerated learning. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 4 July 2025 | U.S. national holiday; fireworks and celebrations, university closed. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Classes Begin | 25 August 2025 | Kickoff of fall term with welcome events and registrations. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day Holiday | 1 September 2025 | Celebrating workers; no classes, extended weekend. |
| 🍁 | Fall Break | 13 October 2025 | Short mid-semester break for rejuvenation. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day Observance | 11 November 2025 | Honoring veterans; possible campus events. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 27 November 2025 | Holiday for gratitude and family; extended break. |
| ❄️ | Fall Semester Finals Week | 8 December 2025approximate | Culminating exams before winter break. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 15 December 2025 | Extended holiday period for rest and celebrations. |
Are you planning on applying to USF next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at USF. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 | Early Action Application Deadline | 1 November 2025 | Submit for early consideration; non-binding. |
| 🗓️ | Regular Decision Application Deadline | 1 December 2025 | Standard deadline for undergraduate admissions. |
| 💰 | FAFSA Priority Deadline | 15 December 2025 | For financial aid consideration. |
| 🏆 | Scholarship Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Apply for merit-based awards. |
| 📬 | Admission Decisions Released | 1 March 2026approximate | Notifications sent to applicants. |
| 🔒 | Enrollment Deposit Deadline | 1 May 2026 | Secure spot with deposit. |
| 🔄 | Transfer Application Deadline | 1 June 2026 | For students transferring credits. |
| 🌍 | International Student Deadline | 1 October 2025 | Earlier for visa processing. |
| 🎓 | Graduate Program Deadline | 1 February 2026 | For master's and doctoral programs. |
The University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, Illinois, follows a structured academic calendar that aligns with traditional U.S. higher education practices, emphasizing a balance between rigorous coursework, personal development, and community engagement. As a Franciscan Catholic institution, USF's calendar incorporates elements of its values, such as service and reflection, into its scheduling. The academic year is typically divided into fall and spring semesters, with optional summer sessions for accelerated learning or catch-up opportunities. Each semester spans about 15 weeks, including time for orientation, midterms, finals, and breaks that allow students to recharge. Historically, USF has adapted its calendar to accommodate regional needs, like Illinois weather patterns that might influence campus events or closures. Compared to larger state universities, USF offers a more intimate setting with flexible scheduling for working students or those pursuing online degrees. This structure impacts students by providing predictable timelines for planning classes, exams, and extracurriculars, while faculty benefit from clear deadlines for grading and research. For prospective students, understanding the calendar is crucial during admissions, as it helps align application timelines with semester starts. International students appreciate how USF integrates U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving and spring break, offering chances to experience American culture or travel home. The calendar also aligns with national holidays, ensuring minimal disruption to academic progress. Parents and families use it to coordinate visits or support during high-stress periods like exams. Overall, the USF academic calendar serves as a vital tool for fostering academic success and work-life balance. To get insights from current students, check out Rate My Professor and consider leaving your own review to help others.
At the University of St. Francis, semester dates are designed to provide a consistent framework for class planning, allowing students to map out their academic journeys effectively. The fall semester generally begins after the summer break, giving time for new student orientations and course registrations. This period is ideal for planning class schedules, selecting electives, and coordinating with advisors to ensure degree requirements are met. Spring semesters follow a similar pattern, starting after winter holidays, which enables a fresh start with renewed focus. USF emphasizes holistic planning, encouraging students to balance core classes with internships or study abroad options. Tips for effective planning include reviewing course catalogs early, using online portals for registration, and considering professor ratings on platforms like Rate My Professor to choose engaging instructors. Students often rate their experiences highly when classes align with personal schedules, reducing stress and improving performance. For those juggling work or family, USF's calendar offers flexibility with evening and online classes. Comparing to peer institutions in Illinois, USF's timing allows for smoother transitions between terms, minimizing overlaps with major holidays. This structure supports long-term goals, such as graduating on time or pursuing dual degrees. Prospective students should note how semester timings affect financial aid disbursements and housing contracts. By planning ahead, individuals can optimize their time at USF, integrating academic pursuits with personal growth. If you've taken classes here, we invite you to rate your professors and share your insights.
Exam schedules at the University of St. Francis are thoughtfully integrated into the academic calendar to promote fair assessment and student success. Typically, midterms occur midway through each semester, providing a checkpoint for progress, while finals cap off the term with comprehensive evaluations. Preparation tips include forming study groups, utilizing campus resources like tutoring centers, and reviewing past exams if available. USF encourages a balanced approach, incorporating wellness activities to combat burnout during these intense periods. Faculty often provide study guides, and students can benefit from professor feedback shared on Rate My Professor. The scheduling avoids major conflicts with holidays, ensuring focused preparation time. For graduate students, exams might include thesis defenses or practical assessments aligned with professional standards. International students find the structure helpful for adapting to U.S.-style testing. Historically, USF has refined its exam periods based on feedback to reduce stress, such as extending reading days. Comparing to other Illinois colleges, USF's approach emphasizes equity, with accommodations for disabilities or extenuating circumstances. Effective preparation involves time management tools and seeking advice from academic advisors. By mastering exam schedules, students enhance their learning outcomes and build resilience for future challenges.
Thanksgiving break at the University of St. Francis offers a cherished pause in the academic calendar, allowing the community to reflect on gratitude in line with Franciscan values. This U.S.-specific holiday period typically falls in late November, providing a short respite after midterms and before finals prep. Students use this time for travel, family gatherings, or catching up on rest, which is essential for maintaining mental health during the demanding fall semester. Traditions at USF might include campus events like service projects or communal meals before the break, fostering a sense of community. Planning tips include booking travel early, especially for those heading out of Joliet, and using the time to review coursework without the pressure of classes. For international students, it's an opportunity to experience American customs or host friends. Faculty and staff appreciate the break for recharging, often aligning it with professional development. Compared to other holidays, Thanksgiving emphasizes family and reflection, impacting scheduling by clearing the campus for a few days. Students rate their experiences positively when breaks like this are well-timed, as seen in reviews on Rate My College. To coordinate effectively, check official updates and consider how it fits into broader plans like work schedules or exam prep. If you're a USF student, share your break stories by rating your university experiences.
The University of St. Francis incorporates various holidays and breaks into its academic calendar, reflecting its location in the United States and commitment to student well-being. Key observances include national holidays like Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day, which provide scheduled downtime. Breaks such as fall break, winter break, and spring break are strategically placed to allow recovery from academic rigors. For instance, spring break often aligns with warmer weather, ideal for travel or relaxation. USF's calendar respects religious holidays, given its Catholic heritage, potentially including observances like Easter. Planning tips involve using these periods for family travel, volunteer work, or skill-building workshops. International students benefit from understanding how these align with their home countries' calendars for coordinating visits. Compared to universities in other regions, USF's breaks emphasize cultural immersion, like Thanksgiving traditions unique to America. Students can track rival school events during these times for networking or competitions. Historical alignments show how past calendars adapted to events like pandemics, ensuring continuity. To make the most of breaks, students should plan deadlines around them and consult resources like Higher Ed Career Advice for balancing rest with productivity. Faculty use breaks for research, enhancing the academic environment upon return.
Faculty and staff at the University of St. Francis navigate a work schedule intertwined with the academic calendar, ensuring smooth operations. Deadlines for tasks like course submissions, grant applications, and evaluations are timed to semester cycles, allowing for efficient planning. Tips include using digital tools for tracking and collaborating with departments. USF promotes work-life balance, aligning schedules with holidays to prevent burnout. Compared to corporate environments, academic deadlines offer more flexibility but require self-discipline. International faculty appreciate how the calendar accommodates global time zones for virtual meetings. Historical patterns reveal evolutions in workload distribution, adapting to enrollment changes. For career growth, explore Lecturer Jobs at USF or similar institutions. Employees are invited to rate their employer experiences to inform others.
Faculty and staff at USF benefit from calendar notes highlighting meetings, grading periods, and professional development opportunities. Regular faculty senate meetings foster collaboration, while grading deadlines ensure timely feedback. The calendar supports staff in roles like advising or administration by marking peak periods. Invitations to rate employers encourage sharing insights on work culture. Links to Professor Salaries provide transparency. Historical notes show how past calendars influenced staff retention through balanced scheduling.
USF maintains archives of historical calendars, useful for verifying past dates like commencement ceremonies from decades ago. Patterns reveal consistent structures with minor adjustments for external factors. Future calendars follow similar frameworks, aiding long-term planning. Students use this for tracking degree progress across years.
Major events like orientation and commencement are calendar highlights at USF, building community. Students are invited to rate professors or view ratings for informed choices. This enhances event experiences by connecting with highly-rated faculty.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🕊️ | Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | 19 January 2026 | Annual holiday with service opportunities; university closed. |
| 📚 | Spring Semester Classes Begin | 12 January 2026 | New term launch with academic advising. |
| 🇺🇸 | Presidents' Day Observance | 16 February 2026 | Presidential holiday; potential no classes. |
| 🏖️ | Spring Break Begins | 9 March 2026 | Break for travel and relaxation. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday Holiday | 3 April 2026 | Religious holiday observance. |
| 📝 | Spring Semester Finals Week | 4 May 2026approximate | Term-end assessments. |
| 🎓 | Commencement Ceremony | 9 May 2026 | Graduation celebrations. |
| 🎖️ | Memorial Day Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Military honor day. |
| ☀️ | Summer Session Start | 1 June 2026 | Summer courses begin. |
| 🎆 | Independence Day Holiday | 3 July 2026 | Observed national holiday. |
| 🍂 | Fall Semester Classes Begin | 24 August 2026 | Fall term startup. |
| 🛠️ | Labor Day Holiday | 7 September 2026 | Workers' holiday. |
| 🍁 | Fall Break | 12 October 2026 | Mid-term break. |
| 🪖 | Veterans Day Observance | 11 November 2026 | Veterans' tribute. |
| 🦃 | Thanksgiving Break | 26 November 2026 | Thanksgiving holiday. |
| ❄️ | Fall Semester Finals Week | 7 December 2026approximate | Exams period. |
| 🎄 | Winter Break Begins | 14 December 2026 | Holiday break start. |
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