Semester Start & End Dates

Academic Calendar Overview for TUOS

At The University of Ontological Science, our academic calendar is designed to provide structured periods of intensive study balanced with time for reflection, integration of knowledge, and scholarly renewal. This carefully crafted calendar supports our commitment to deep intellectual engagement while recognizing the rhythms of effective learning. The following information outlines key dates and deadlines to help you plan your academic journey at TUOS.

2023-2024 Academic Year Calendar

Fall Semester 2023

Event Date
New Faculty Orientation August 14-15, 2023
New Student Orientation August 21-25, 2023
Residence Halls Open for Returning Students August 24, 2023
Classes Begin August 28, 2023
Labor Day (University Closed) September 4, 2023
Last Day to Add/Drop Courses September 8, 2023
Fall Convocation September 15, 2023
Last Day to Submit Graduation Application (Fall) October 2, 2023
Fall Break (No Classes) October 16-17, 2023
Midterm Grades Due October 20, 2023
Last Day to Withdraw from Courses (W grade) November 10, 2023
Thanksgiving Break (No Classes) November 22-24, 2023
Last Day of Classes December 8, 2023
Reading Days December 9-10, 2023
Final Examination Period December 11-15, 2023
Residence Halls Close December 16, 2023 (12:00 PM)
Fall Commencement December 16, 2023
Final Grades Due December 20, 2023

Winter Session 2024

Event Date
Winter Session Classes Begin January 2, 2024
Last Day to Add/Drop Winter Courses January 4, 2024
Last Day to Withdraw from Winter Courses January 12, 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (University Closed) January 15, 2024
Winter Session Classes End January 23, 2024
Winter Session Grades Due January 26, 2024

Spring Semester 2024

Event Date
New Student Orientation January 18-19, 2024
Residence Halls Open January 21, 2024
Classes Begin January 24, 2024
Last Day to Add/Drop Courses February 2, 2024
Last Day to Submit Graduation Application (Spring) February 23, 2024
Spring Break (No Classes) March 11-15, 2024
Midterm Grades Due March 22, 2024
Last Day to Withdraw from Courses (W grade) April 5, 2024
Spring Symposium (No Classes) April 17, 2024
Last Day of Classes May 3, 2024
Reading Days May 4-5, 2024
Final Examination Period May 6-10, 2024
Residence Halls Close (Non-Graduates) May 11, 2024 (12:00 PM)
Graduate Hooding Ceremony May 11, 2024
Spring Commencement May 12, 2024
Residence Halls Close (Graduates) May 13, 2024 (12:00 PM)
Final Grades Due May 15, 2024

Summer Sessions 2024

Session Dates
Early Summer (6-week) May 15 – June 26, 2024
Memorial Day (University Closed) May 27, 2024
Late Summer (6-week) July 1 – August 12, 2024
Independence Day (University Closed) July 4, 2024
Full Summer (12-week) May 15 – August 12, 2024

Download Complete Academic Calendar (PDF)

2024-2025 Academic Year Preview

While detailed dates for the 2024-2025 academic year will be published by March 2024, the following general timeframes can assist with long-term planning:

  • Fall Semester 2024: Late August through mid-December 2024
  • Winter Session 2025: Early January through late January 2025
  • Spring Semester 2025: Late January through early May 2025
  • Summer Sessions 2025: Mid-May through early August 2025

Key Academic Deadlines

Registration Periods

Term Registration Opens Registration Closes
Spring 2024 November 1, 2023 January 24, 2024
Summer 2024 March 1, 2024 Varies by session
Fall 2024 April 1, 2024 August 28, 2024
Winter 2025 October 15, 2024 January 2, 2025

Financial Deadlines

Term Tuition Payment Due Financial Aid Priority Deadline
Spring 2024 January 10, 2024 October 15, 2023
Summer 2024 May 1, 2024 March 1, 2024
Fall 2024 August 15, 2024 March 1, 2024
Winter 2025 December 15, 2024 October 15, 2024

Housing Deadlines

Term Housing Application Due Move-In Dates Move-Out Dates
Spring 2024 December 1, 2023 January 21, 2024 May 11-13, 2024
Summer 2024 April 15, 2024 May 14, 2024 August 13, 2024
Fall 2024 June 1, 2024 August 22-25, 2024 December 16, 2024

Semester Structure and Credit Hours

Standard Semester Format

Fall and Spring semesters at TUOS follow a 15-week instructional format:

  • 15 weeks of instruction
  • 2 reading days
  • 5-day final examination period

Credit Hour Policy

At TUOS, one credit hour represents:

  • 50 minutes of classroom instruction per week for 15 weeks, plus
  • A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work for each hour in class

This structure yields approximately 45 hours of combined direct instruction and student work per credit hour.

Class Meeting Patterns

Format Meeting Pattern Total Contact Hours
3-credit MWF 50 minutes, 3 times per week 45 hours
3-credit TR 75 minutes, 2 times per week 45 hours
3-credit evening 150 minutes, 1 time per week 45 hours
4-credit with lab 150 minutes lecture + 170 minutes lab per week 60 hours

Compressed Formats

Winter and Summer sessions offer courses in compressed formats:

  • 3-week intensive format (Winter Session)
  • 6-week accelerated format (Summer Sessions)
  • 12-week standard format (Full Summer)

These compressed formats maintain the same total instructional hours as semester-length courses.

Academic Year Structure and Rationale

The TUOS academic calendar is designed with several guiding principles:

  • Balanced Semesters: Fall and Spring semesters maintain equal instructional days for each weekday.
  • Strategic Breaks: Breaks are positioned to provide restorative pauses without disrupting learning momentum.
  • Reading Days: Dedicated preparation time before final examinations supports integration and synthesis of knowledge.
  • Intersession Opportunities: Winter and Summer sessions offer focused, immersive learning experiences.
  • Thoughtful Transitions: Adequate time between terms allows for reflection and preparation.

This careful structuring reflects our pedagogical philosophy that effective learning requires both intensive engagement and deliberate reflection.

Special Academic Events and Traditions

Fall Convocation

A formal welcome ceremony that marks the official beginning of the academic year. Held approximately three weeks after classes begin, it features academic processions, addresses from university leadership, and recognition of scholarly achievements.

Spring Symposium

An annual day-long celebration of intellectual inquiry where regular classes are suspended. Students present research, faculty share works in progress, and invited scholars offer perspectives that enrich our community’s exploration of ontological questions.

Philosophy Day

Celebrated annually in mid-November, this event commemorates the founding of TUOS with lectures, discussions, and social gatherings that highlight the centrality of philosophical inquiry to our mission.

Thesis and Dissertation Defenses

Public presentations of graduate research occur throughout the academic year, with concentration periods in April-May and November-December. The community is invited to witness these culminating scholarly achievements.

View Special Events Calendar

Campus Services During Breaks and Transitions

Library Hours

Period Main Library Philosophy Reading Room Archives
Regular Semester 7:30 AM – 2:00 AM 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Reading Days & Finals 24 hours 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Between Semesters 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Closed By appointment
University Holidays Closed Closed Closed

Dining Services

Period Main Dining Hall Campus Café Faculty Commons
Regular Semester 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Reading Days & Finals 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM 7:30 AM – 1:00 AM 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Between Semesters 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Closed
University Holidays Closed Closed Closed

Campus Facilities

Period Academic Buildings Wellness Center Administrative Offices
Regular Semester 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Reading Days & Finals 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Between Semesters 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
University Holidays Closed Closed Closed

View Complete Campus Services Schedule

Planning Resources and Tools

Academic Planning Calculator

Our Semester Planning Tool helps you calculate study time requirements based on your course load and work/life commitments.

Course Sequence Planner

The Four-Year Course Planner maps prerequisite chains and optimal course sequencing for your program.

Term-Specific Checklists

Beginning of Term Checklist

  • Verify your course schedule in the Student Portal
  • Locate your classrooms before the first day
  • Purchase or access required course materials
  • Review syllabi and note key deadlines
  • Configure Canvas notifications
  • Update personal information if needed

End of Term Checklist

  • Complete course evaluations
  • Return library materials
  • Back up academic work
  • Confirm next term’s registration
  • Update financial aid information if applicable
  • Check final exam schedule
  • Clear residence hall room (if applicable)

Download Printable Checklists

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to arrive on campus before classes start?
A: We recommend arriving at least two days before classes begin to settle in, locate your classrooms, purchase books, and attend any department orientation sessions. New students should plan to attend the full orientation program.

Q: Are there classes on university holidays?
A: No, classes are not held and administrative offices are closed on official university holidays. However, some campus services may operate with limited hours.

Q: What happens if severe weather affects the academic calendar?
A: TUOS has contingency plans for weather-related closures. In case of missed instructional days, make-up sessions may be scheduled on reading days or specific weekends. Faculty may also provide alternative instruction through Canvas.

Q: Can I stay in campus housing during breaks?
A: Residence halls generally close during winter break and between spring and summer terms. Limited break housing is available for international students, student-athletes in season, and students with demonstrated need. Applications for break housing must be submitted at least three weeks before the break begins.

Q: When are final grades available?
A: Final grades are due from faculty five days after the last final examination. Grades are typically available to students 1-2 days after the submission deadline through the Student Portal.

Q: How do compressed summer and winter courses compare to full-semester courses?
A: Compressed courses cover the same content and have equivalent workload and expectations, but in a more intensive timeframe. Students should expect to dedicate significantly more hours per week to these courses compared to semester-length courses.

Contact Information

Office of the Registrar
Academic Building, Room 203
registrar@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4567

Academic Calendar Committee
calendar@tuos.edu
(For questions about calendar structure or future planning)

Academic Advising Center
Wisdom Hall, Room 105
advising@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4569

Residence Life Office
Student Center, Room 210
housing@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4580

At The University of Ontological Science, we view the academic calendar not merely as a schedule but as a carefully designed framework that supports the rhythms of intellectual growth. The alternating periods of intensive engagement and reflective integration mirror our philosophical commitment to both rigorous analysis and contemplative synthesis. As you plan your academic journey, we encourage you to embrace this rhythm and use it to deepen your learning experience.