The University of Wisconsin-Madison academic calendar is a comprehensive guide that outlines the key dates and deadlines for the academic year. The calendar is designed to help students, faculty, and staff plan and stay organized throughout the year. In this article, we will provide an overview of the UW-Madison academic calendar, highlighting the most important dates and deadlines.
Academic Year Structure
The UW-Madison academic year is divided into two semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in late January and concludes in early May. The academic year also includes a summer term, which is divided into two shorter sessions: summer A and summer B.
Semester Dates
The following are the key dates for the fall and spring semesters:
| Semester | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | August 25 | December 18 |
| Spring | January 25 | May 14 |
Breaks and Holidays
The UW-Madison academic calendar includes several breaks and holidays throughout the year. These include:
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
- Winter Break: December 19-January 24
- Spring Break: March 21-28
- Memorial Day: May 31
Registration and Deadline Dates
Registration for classes typically begins several weeks before the start of each semester. The following are the key registration and deadline dates:
| Semester | Registration Start Date | Registration End Date | Drop/Add Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | April 12 | August 24 | September 5 |
| Spring | November 2 | January 24 | February 1 |
Key Points
- The UW-Madison academic calendar is divided into two semesters: fall and spring.
- The fall semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December.
- The spring semester starts in late January and concludes in early May.
- Registration for classes typically begins several weeks before the start of each semester.
- The academic calendar includes several breaks and holidays throughout the year.
Grading and Transcripts
UW-Madison uses a letter grading system, with grades ranging from A to F. The university also offers a variety of grading options, including pass/fail and credit/no credit. Transcripts are available to students through the university’s online student information system.
Final Exams
Final exams are typically held during the last week of each semester. The following are the final exam dates:
| Semester | Final Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Fall | December 12-18 |
| Spring | May 6-14 |
Summer Term
The UW-Madison summer term is divided into two shorter sessions: summer A and summer B. The following are the key dates for the summer term:
| Session | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Summer A | May 31 | July 2 |
| Summer B | July 5 | August 13 |
Summer Registration
Registration for summer classes typically begins in late March. The following are the key registration and deadline dates for the summer term:
| Session | Registration Start Date | Registration End Date | Drop/Add Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer A | March 28 | May 30 | June 5 |
| Summer B | April 11 | July 4 | July 11 |
What is the first day of classes for the fall semester?
+The first day of classes for the fall semester is August 25.
How do I register for classes?
+Registration for classes typically begins several weeks before the start of each semester. You can register for classes through the university's online student information system.
What is the deadline to drop or add classes?
+The deadline to drop or add classes varies by semester. For the fall semester, the deadline is September 5, and for the spring semester, the deadline is February 1.
In conclusion, the UW-Madison academic calendar is an essential tool for students, faculty, and staff to plan and stay organized throughout the year. By understanding the key dates and deadlines, individuals can ensure a successful and stress-free academic experience.
