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.
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)
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.