The academic year consists of two fifteen-week semesters, each of which includes a final examination period.
The fall semester normally begins in late August and concludes with final examinations in December. The spring semester begins in mid-January and closes with a final examination period in May. An optional Intersession is offered in January.
The University also provides a broad range of courses, workshops, mini-courses, and programs with outdoor activities during the summer months. The summer schedule includes a three-week pre-session, two five-week day sessions, and a nine-week evening session, plus special mini-sessions. The first regular summer session begins in early June and concludes in mid-July; the second regular summer session begins in mid-July and ends in late August. The nine-week evening session, which begins in early June and ends in early August, complements these two day-school summer sessions.
Commencement exercises are held at the close of the spring semester and summer sessions. Any fall graduates may participate in the May ceremony.