Academic Calendar
The academic calendar of Washington University in St. Louis is designed to provide an optimal amount of classroom instruction and examination within a manageable time frame, facilitating our educational mission to promote learning among both students and faculty. Individual schools — particularly our graduate and professional schools — may have varying calendars due to the nature of particular fields of study. Please refer to each school’s website for more information.
Fall Semester 2023
College of Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and the School of Continuing & Professional Studies
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| August 28 | Monday | First day of classes |
| September 4 | Monday | Labor Day (no classes) |
| October 7-10 | Saturday-Tuesday | Fall Break (no classes) |
| November 22-26 | Wednesday-Sunday | Thanksgiving Break (no classes) |
| December 8 | Friday | Last day of classes |
| December 11-20 | Monday-Wednesday | Reading and finals |
Spring Semester 2024
College of Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and the School of Continuing & Professional Studies
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 16 | Tuesday | First day of classes |
| March 10-16 | Sunday-Saturday | Spring Break (no classes) |
| April 26 | Friday | Last day of classes |
| April 29-May 8 | Monday-Wednesday | Reading and finals |
Commencement Ceremonies
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 13 | Monday | Class of 2024 Commencement |
Summer Semester 2024
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 20 | Monday | First Summer Session begins |
| May 27 | Monday | Memorial Day (no classes) |
| July 4 | Thursday | Independence Day (no classes) |
| August 15 | Thursday | Last Summer Session ends |
Washington University recognizes the individual student’s choice in observing religious holidays (PDF). Students are encouraged to make arrangements with instructors to complete work missed due to religious observance. Instructors are asked to make every reasonable effort to accommodate such requests.