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 2022
College of Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and University College
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | Monday | First day of classes |
| September 5 | Monday | Labor Day (no classes) |
| October 8-11 | Saturday-Tuesday | Fall Break (no classes) |
| November 23-27 | Wednesday-Sunday | Thanksgiving Break (no classes) |
| December 9 | Friday | Last day of classes |
| December 12-21 | Monday-Wednesday | Reading and finals |
Spring Semester 2023
College of Arts & Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Olin Business School, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, and University College
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 17 | Tuesday | First day of classes |
| March 12-18 | Sunday-Saturday | Spring Break (no classes) |
| April 28 | Friday | Last day of classes |
| May 1-10 | Monday-Wednesday | Reading and finals |
Commencement Ceremonies
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 15 | Monday | Class of 2023 Commencement |
Summer Semester 2023
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 22 | Monday | First Summer Session begins |
| May 29 | Monday | Memorial Day (no classes) |
| July 4 | Tuesday | Independence Day (no classes) |
| August 17 | Thursday | Last Summer Session ends |
Washington University recognizes the individual student’s choice in observing religious holidays that occur during periods when classes are scheduled. Students are encouraged to arrange with their instructors to make up work missed as a result of religious observance, and instructors are asked to make every reasonable effort to accommodate such requests.