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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| August 26 | Monday | First day of classes |
| September 2 | Monday | Labor Day (no classes) |
| October 5-8 | Saturday-Tuesday | Fall Break (no classes) |
| November 27-December 1 | Wednesday-Sunday | Thanksgiving Break (no classes) |
| December 6 | Friday | Last day of classes |
| December 9-11 | Monday-Wednesday | Reading days |
| December 12-18 | Thursday-Wednesday | Final exams |
Spring Semester 2025
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 13 | Monday | First day of classes |
| January 20 | Monday | Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (no classes) |
| March 9-16 | Sunday-Sunday | Spring Break (no classes) |
| April 25 | Friday | Last day of classes |
| April 28-30 | Monday-Wednesday | Reading days |
| May 1-7 | Thursday-Wednesday | Final exams |
Commencement
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 12 | Monday | Class of 2025 Commencement |
Summer Semester 2025
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 19 | Monday | First Summer Session begins |
| May 26 | Monday | Memorial Day (no classes) |
| July 4 | Friday | Independence Day (no classes) |
| August 14 | 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.