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.
Academic Calendar
Washington University in St. Louis primarily follows a standard semester-based academic calendar: a fall and spring semester of approximately 16 weeks, including sessions of half-semester lengths and intersessions beginning before the term start date, and a summer term of 13 weeks, including sessions of half-term length, an intersession beginning before the term start date, and 3-, 5- and 8-week lengths. The Doctor of Medicine program follows a yearlong calendar supporting modular curriculum delivery.
Washington University’s academic calendar is approved by the Calendar Committee. The Calendar Committee is convened and chaired by the University Registrar on behalf of the Provost to review and approve upcoming academic calendars; to consider changes to the academic calendar and propose any that gain their approval to the Chancellor; to ensure academic calendars are in keeping with federal and accreditation requirements and industry best practices; to review and approve any calendar “principles” (patterns) that are applied year over year. Calendar Committee membership has one representative from each school, both Danforth and School of Medicine, Student Affairs, the Provost’s Office and the Chancellor’s Office.
Registration Dates
& Deadlines
Review the registration schedules for Spring 2025.
Final Exams
The Office of the University Registrar coordinates the scheduling of both Final and Evening exams and works diligently to ensure equitability among all those administering and taking exams.