Welcome to Southwestern University’s online academic calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year. This calendar provides you with a comprehensive overview of the important dates and deadlines for the upcoming school year. Please note that this calendar is subject to change, so be sure to check back regularly for the most up-to-date information.
The academic year at Southwestern University begins in late August and ends in early May. The fall semester runs from late August to mid-December, and the spring semester runs from mid-January to early May. There are two breaks during the academic year: a fall break in October and a spring break in March. Final exams are held at the end of each semester.
In addition to the academic calendar, this website also provides information on registration, add/drop deadlines, tuition and fees, and other important topics. We encourage you to explore this website and familiarize yourself with the academic calendar and other important information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Registrar.
Academic Deadlines and Key Dates
Important Dates for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Southwestern University follows a semester system, with two semesters per academic year. The Fall Semester typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December, while the Spring Semester runs from mid-January to early May. Key dates for the 2024-2025 academic year include:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 25, 2024 | Fall Semester begins |
| October 14-18, 2024 | Fall Break |
| December 12, 2024 | Fall Semester ends |
| January 19, 2025 | Spring Semester begins |
| March 10-14, 2025 | Spring Break |
| May 9, 2025 | Spring Semester ends |
Freshman Orientation
Incoming freshmen are typically required to attend an orientation program prior to the start of the Fall Semester. This program usually takes place over several days and includes academic advising, registration, and social events. Specific dates for freshman orientation for the 2024-2025 academic year will be announced closer to the start of the semester.
Fall 2024 Semester Schedule
Class Meetings
Fall semester classes begin on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Class meetings are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for most undergraduate courses. Graduate courses may meet on a different schedule.
Important Dates
Key dates for the fall 2024 semester include:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2024 | First day of classes |
| September 2, 2024 | Labor Day (no classes) |
| October 8-11, 2024 | Fall Break (no classes) |
| November 27-29, 2024 | Thanksgiving Break (no classes) |
| December 9-13, 2024 | Final exams |
Registration
Registration for fall semester classes opens in April 2024. Students should consult with their academic advisors to determine which courses to register for.
Spring 2025 Semester Schedule
Below is a schedule for the spring 2025 semester at Southwestern University:
Registration Dates
If you are trying to register for your classes as soon as possible, do not forget about the early registration period. November 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024, are the dates for the early registration period.
If you miss the early registration period, regular registration will begin on November 16, 2024, and will end on January 25, 2025.
Drop/Add Period
The drop/add period will run from January 26, 2025, to February 2, 2025. Remember, the last day to add a class is February 2, 2025.
To add or drop a class, you must complete an add/drop form. You can find the add/drop form on the Registrar’s Office website.
Spring Break
Spring break will be from March 10, 2025, to March 16, 2025. Keep in mind, classes will resume on March 17, 2025.
| Important Dates | |
|---|---|
| November 1-15, 2024 | Early Registration Period |
| November 16, 2024-January 25, 2025 | Regular Registration Period |
| January 26-February 2, 2025 | Drop/Add Period |
| March 10-16, 2025 | Spring Break |
Summer 2025 Session Calendar
The Summer 2025 Session at Southwestern University will run from [start date] to [end date]. The session will be divided into two four-week terms, with a break in between. The academic calendar for the Summer 2025 Session is as follows:
Term 1
- Start date: [start date of Term 1]
- End date: [end date of Term 1]
Break
- Start date: [start date of break]
- End date: [end date of break]
Term 2
- Start date: [start date of Term 2]
- End date: [end date of Term 2]
Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| [date] | [event] |
| [date] | [event] |
| [date] | [event] |
Holidays and Breaks
Southwestern University’s academic calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year includes several holidays and breaks throughout the year. These breaks provide students with an opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.
Fall Break
Fall Break is a one-week break that occurs in October. The exact dates of Fall Break vary from year to year. In 2024, Fall Break will begin on Monday, October 14 and end on Sunday, October 20.
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break is a four-day break that occurs in November. The exact dates of Thanksgiving Break vary from year to year. In 2024, Thanksgiving Break will begin on Wednesday, November 27 and end on Sunday, December 1.
Winter Break
Winter Break is a three-week break that occurs in December and January. The exact dates of Winter Break vary from year to year. In 2024-2025, Winter Break will begin on Monday, December 16 and end on Sunday, January 5.
Spring Break
Spring Break is a one-week break that occurs in March. The exact dates of Spring Break vary from year to year. In 2025, Spring Break will begin on Monday, March 10 and end on Sunday, March 16.
Other Breaks
In addition to the major holidays and breaks listed above, Southwestern University also has several other breaks throughout the year. These breaks include:
| Break | Dates |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | Monday, September 2 |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 14 |
| Veterans Day | Monday, November 11 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | Monday, January 20 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 26 |
Registration Periods
Registration periods for Southwestern University’s 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:
Undergraduate Registration
- Continuing students: April 3-7, 2024
- New students: June 12-16, 2024
Graduate Registration
- Continuing students: May 1-5, 2024
- New students: June 26-30, 2024
Step-by-Step Registration Process
To register for classes, students must:
- Access the University’s Online Registration System (URS).
- Select the desired semester and course sections.
- Add courses to their shopping cart.
- Review the selected courses and confirm their registration.
- Pay tuition and fees or submit a payment plan.
- Verify course schedules and any applicable prerequisites or restrictions.
Students are strongly advised to register early to secure their preferred course sections and avoid waitlists.
Course Drop and Withdrawal Dates
The following are the key dates for course drop and withdrawal for the 2024-2025 academic year at Southwestern University:
Course Drop Dates
Students may drop courses without penalty until the end of the first four weeks of the semester. After this date, students may withdraw from courses with a “W” grade until the end of the eighth week of the semester.
Withdrawal Dates
Students who wish to withdraw from a course after the eighth week of the semester must petition the Registrar’s Office for permission to do so. Withdrawals after the eighth week will result in a “W” grade on the student’s transcript.
Important Deadlines
The following are important deadlines for course drop and withdrawal:
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| End of first four weeks of semester | Last day to drop courses without penalty |
| End of eighth week of semester | Last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade |
| After eighth week of semester | Students must petition the Registrar’s Office for permission to withdraw |
Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor before dropping or withdrawing from a course.
Graduation Ceremonies
The Southwestern University Commencement Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of our graduating students. The ceremony is held in the spring and features a keynote speaker, the presentation of diplomas, and the conferral of degrees.
The 2024-2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the university’s football stadium. The keynote speaker will be announced at a later date.
Undergraduate Ceremony
The Undergraduate Ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM in the university’s football stadium. All undergraduate students who have completed their degree requirements by the end of the spring semester are eligible to participate in the ceremony.
Graduate Ceremony
The Graduate Ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM in the university’s chapel. All graduate students who have completed their degree requirements by the end of the spring semester are eligible to participate in the ceremony.
Doctoral Ceremony
The Doctoral Ceremony will be held at 4:00 PM in the university’s chapel. All doctoral students who have completed their degree requirements by the end of the spring semester are eligible to participate in the ceremony.
Regalia
All graduating students are required to wear academic regalia at the Commencement Ceremony. Regalia can be purchased from the university bookstore or rented from a local vendor.
Tickets
Tickets are required for admission to the Commencement Ceremony. Each graduating student will receive a limited number of tickets for their guests. Additional tickets may be purchased from the university’s ticket office.
Parking
Parking is available on campus for guests attending the Commencement Ceremony. A parking map will be available on the university’s website closer to the date of the event.
Accessibility
The university is committed to providing equal access to all guests attending the Commencement Ceremony. Accessible seating is available in all venues. Guests with disabilities who require special accommodations should contact the university’s Disability Services office at (512) 245-2422.
Commencement Speakers
Southwestern University has a long tradition of inviting distinguished speakers to address our graduating class. Past Commencement speakers have included:
| Year | Speaker |
| 2023 | Michelle Obama |
| 2022 | Oprah Winfrey |
| 2021 | Barack Obama |
Academic Policies and Procedures
Attendance
Regular attendance is expected of all students. Students are responsible for all the work missed in class.
Grading
Students’ academic progress is evaluated through a variety of methods, including exams, quizzes, assignments, and projects. Grades are typically assigned on a 100-point scale, and the following grading system is used:
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90-100% |
| B | 80-89% |
| C | 70-79% |
| D | 60-69% |
| F | Below 60% |
Homework
Homework assignments are given regularly to help students reinforce what they have learned in class. Homework is due at the beginning of the class period on the day it is assigned.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, and fabrication, is a serious offense. Students who are found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include failing the course or being suspended from the university.
Student Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner. Students who violate the student conduct code may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion from the university.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who need accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services will work with students to provide accommodations that will enable them to fully participate in their courses.
Repeating Courses
Students who fail a course may repeat the course the following semester. Students who repeat a course will receive a new grade for the course, but the original grade will remain on their transcript.
Dropping and Adding Courses
Students may drop or add courses during the first two weeks of the semester. Dropping a course does not affect the student’s GPA. Adding a course may affect the student’s GPA if the student does not pass the course.
Campus Events and Activities
Southwestern University offers a wide array of events and activities to enrich the academic and social lives of its students. These events provide opportunities for intellectual engagement, personal growth, and social interaction.
Major Events
Southwestern University hosts several major events throughout the academic year, including:
- Convocation: A ceremony marking the official start of the academic year.
- Homecoming: A weekend-long celebration that brings alumni, students, and faculty together.
- Founders’ Day: A day dedicated to celebrating the university’s history and founding principles.
- Commencement: A ceremony recognizing the graduation of students.
Arts and Culture
Southwestern University offers a variety of arts and culture events, including:
- Theater productions: Staged by the university’s theater company.
- Musical performances: Featuring the university’s orchestra, choir, and other musical groups.
- Art exhibitions: Showcasing the work of students and local artists in the university’s art gallery.
- Film screenings: Featuring independent, foreign, and classic films.
- Guest lectures: By renowned speakers in the fields of arts, culture, and humanities.
Athletics
Southwestern University offers a variety of athletic events, including:
- Home football games: Featuring the university’s football team competing against other NCAA Division III teams.
- Basketball games: Featuring the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams.
- Soccer games: Featuring the university’s men’s and women’s soccer teams.
- Baseball and softball games: Featuring the university’s baseball and softball teams.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Southwestern University has over 100 student clubs and organizations, offering opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals, pursue their interests, and develop leadership skills.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Academic | Biology Club, History Club |
| Arts | Theater Guild, Music Club |
| Athletics | Running Club, Cycling Club |
| Community Service | Student Senate, Habitat for Humanity |
| Religious | Newman Catholic Community, Wesley Methodist Fellowship |
Special Events
Throughout the year, Southwestern University hosts special events such as:
- Career fairs: Connecting students with potential employers.
- Guest speakers: Featuring experts in various fields sharing their knowledge and insights.
- Study abroad fairs: Providing information about study abroad opportunities.
- Sustainability events: Raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
Southwestern University Academic Calendar 2024-2025
Southwestern University’s academic calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year has been released. The calendar includes important dates for students, faculty, and staff, such as the start and end of semesters, holidays, and registration deadlines. The calendar is available on the Southwestern University website.
People Also Ask About Southwestern University Academic Calendar 2024-2025
When does the 2024-2025 academic year start?
The 2024-2025 academic year at Southwestern University begins on Monday, August 18, 2024.
When does the 2024-2025 academic year end?
The 2024-2025 academic year at Southwestern University ends on Friday, May 9, 2025.
When are the registration deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year?
The registration deadlines for the 2024-2025 academic year at Southwestern University are as follows:
- Fall 2024: July 15, 2024
- Spring 2025: November 15, 2024
