The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it operates on a semester-based academic calendar. The academic calendar is divided into two main semesters: fall and spring, with a summer session also available. The university's academic calendar is carefully planned to ensure that students have a balance of academic and non-academic activities throughout the year.
Academic Calendar Overview
The University of Minnesota’s academic calendar typically starts in late August and ends in late May. The fall semester usually begins in late August and ends in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in mid-May. The summer session is divided into two shorter sessions: summer first and summer second, which take place from mid-May to mid-August.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Some key dates and deadlines to note in the University of Minnesota’s academic calendar include:
- First day of classes: Late August (fall semester) and mid-January (spring semester)
- Last day of classes: Mid-December (fall semester) and mid-May (spring semester)
- Final exam period: Mid-December (fall semester) and mid-May (spring semester)
- Graduation ceremonies: Mid-May (spring semester) and mid-August (summer session)
- Summer session start dates: Mid-May (summer first) and mid-June (summer second)
- Summer session end dates: Mid-July (summer first) and mid-August (summer second)
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Late August | Mid-December |
| Spring Semester | Mid-January | Mid-May |
| Summer First | Mid-May | Mid-July |
| Summer Second | Mid-June | Mid-August |
Registration and Course Scheduling
Registration for classes at the University of Minnesota typically opens several weeks before the start of each semester. Students can register for classes online through the university’s student information system. The university also offers a variety of course scheduling options, including traditional face-to-face classes, online classes, and hybrid classes that combine online and face-to-face instruction.
Course Formats and Delivery Modes
The University of Minnesota offers a range of course formats and delivery modes to accommodate different learning styles and preferences. These include:
- Traditional face-to-face classes: Classes that meet on campus at a scheduled time
- Online classes: Classes that are delivered entirely online, with no on-campus meetings
- Hybrid classes: Classes that combine online and face-to-face instruction
- Blended classes: Classes that combine face-to-face and online instruction, with some on-campus meetings and some online coursework
- Distance learning classes: Classes that are delivered online or through other distance learning technologies, with no on-campus meetings
Academic Support Services
The University of Minnesota offers a range of academic support services to help students succeed in their studies. These services include:
- Academic advising: One-on-one advising with an academic advisor to help students choose courses and plan their academic program
- Tutoring and mentoring: Free tutoring and mentoring services to help students with specific courses or subjects
- Writing center: A writing center that offers free writing tutoring and support to help students improve their writing skills
- Math center: A math center that offers free math tutoring and support to help students with math-related courses
- Language support: Language support services to help international students and students who are non-native English speakers succeed in their studies
What is the typical length of a semester at the University of Minnesota?
+The typical length of a semester at the University of Minnesota is 15 weeks, with a 10-week summer session also available.
Can I register for classes online at the University of Minnesota?
+Yes, students can register for classes online through the university’s student information system.
What types of academic support services are available to students at the University of Minnesota?
+The University of Minnesota offers a range of academic support services, including academic advising, tutoring and mentoring, writing center, math center, and language support services.
