Navigating the Academic Calendar at College of DuPage
College of DuPage, as an open admission institution, provides a diverse range of academic programs and resources for students on a path toward achieving your career goals. Understanding the academic calendar is crucial for students to effectively plan their semesters, manage deadlines, and stay informed about important dates and events. This article provides a comprehensive overview of key dates and deadlines within the College of DuPage academic calendar, allowing students to navigate their academic journey with greater clarity.
Key Dates and Deadlines: Fall Semester
The fall semester at College of DuPage is divided into a full term and two quick terms, each with its own set of important dates.
Full Fall Term
The full fall term encompasses a wider timeframe, offering students a traditional semester-long learning experience.
- August 27: Final cancellation of low enrolled classes.
- August 27-28: New Faculty & Professional Staff Orientation.
- August 28: Opening Day for Faculty and Professional Staff.
- September 1: Labor Day; College closed.
- September 2: Classes begin.
- September 8: Last day to change a schedule. Last day to drop a course with no academic record. Last day to drop a course for 100% refund. No refund after this date. Last day to change course status from audit to credit.
- October 1: Deadline to file for January graduation.
- October 13: Columbus/Indigenous People's Day; College closed.
- October 17: Mid-term warning grades due to Registrar.
- November 3: Advising/Registration for Spring 2026 begins for currently enrolled students.
- November 7: Last day to withdraw from an academic course. Last day to change course status from credit to audit.
- November 11: Veterans' Day observed; College closed.
- November 17: Spring 2026 registration begins for all students. Winter Intersession 2026 registration begins for all students.
- November 27: Thanksgiving Day; College closed.
- November 28: The College is open with minimal staffing. Classes are not held; classes resume on Monday.
- December 8: Last day to resolve INC grades from Spring and Summer Sessions 2025. Classes end.
- December 9: Study day. Professional Day-All Quick Term II classes are cancelled; classes starting at 3:00 pm or later will run as scheduled.
- December 10-16: Final exam period.
- December 17: Final exam make-up 8:00am-Noon (due to inclement weather).
- December 25: Christmas Day; College closed.
- December 26-31: College is open with minimal staffing.
- December 29: Final grades due to Registrar by Midnight.
- January 1: New Year's Day; College closed.
- January 2: The College is open with minimal staffing.
Fall Quick Term I: September 2 - October 23
Fall Quick Term I offers an accelerated learning experience, allowing students to complete courses in a condensed timeframe.
- August 27: Final cancellation of low enrolled classes
- August 28: Opening Day for Faculty and Professional Staff
- September 1: Labor Day; College closed
- September 2: Classes begin
- September 8: Last day to change a schedule. Last day to drop a course with no academic record. Last day to drop a course for 100% refund. No refund after this date. Last day to change course status from audit to credit.
- September 29: Mid-term warning grades due to Registrar by Noon
- October 1: Deadline to file for January graduation
- October 3: Last day to withdraw from an academic course. Last day to change course status from credit to audit.
- October 13: Columbus/Indigenous People's Day; College closed
- October 22: Final exams for M/W classes
- October 23: Final exams for T/Th classes
- October 27: Final grades due to Registrar by Noon
Fall Quick Term II: October 27 - December 18
Similar to Quick Term I, Fall Quick Term II provides another opportunity for students to complete courses in an accelerated format.
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- October 21: Final cancellation of low enrolled classes
- October 27: Classes begin
- October 31: Last day to change a schedule. Last day to drop a course with no academic record. Last day to drop a course with 100% refund. No refund after this date. Last day to change course status from audit to credit.
- November 3: Advising/Registration for Spring 2026 begins for currently enrolled students
- November 11: Veterans' Day observed - College closed
- November 17: Spring 2026 registration begins for all students. Winter Intersession 2026 registration begins for all students.
- November 24: Mid-term warning grades due to Registrar by Noon
- November 27: Thanksgiving Day; College closed
- November 28: The College is open with minimal staffing.
Important Considerations for Registration and Refunds
Navigating the registration and refund process is essential for students to manage their course schedules and finances effectively. Several key dates and policies govern these processes.
- Schedule Changes and Drops: The first week of the semester is crucial for finalizing course schedules. Students have until September 8 to change their schedules, drop courses without academic record, receive a 100% refund, and change course status from audit to credit.
- Withdrawal Deadlines: Students should be aware of the deadlines for withdrawing from courses. Withdrawing from a course after the specified date may result in a "W" grade on their transcript.
- Refund Policies: Students should carefully review the college's refund policies to understand the deadlines for receiving refunds for dropped courses. No refund is available after September 8. Refund dates for classes are found on the Student Schedule in myACCESS for students. To view your schedule, log into the portal at inside.cod.edu. Dropping a course during a refund period will not result in a "W" grade.
- Late Withdrawal Appeals: “Last Day to Withdraw without submitting a Late Withdrawal Appeal” - Dates which fall outside of normal business days, for example Saturday/Sunday (spring and fall terms) and Friday/Saturday/Sunday (summer term) will be given a one-day grace period to the next business day without penalty.
Academic Programs and Career Paths at College of DuPage
College of DuPage offers a wide array of academic programs designed to prepare students for diverse career paths. Whether you want to study, build a strategy, lead a team or manage a budget., the college provides the resources and support to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond. The college develops your knowledge and leadership skills.
- Arts and Communication: Turn your interest in art, design, music, theater or film into a living. The Arts program is both exciting and challenging. Students learn first-hand from industry professionals and create a portfolio that stands out.
- Cosmetology: Unleash your imagination, creativity and expertise in the Cosmetology program. Many graduates enter the fashion business with their own talents and ambitions.
- Health Care: Few professions match the rewarding field of health care. As populations grow and generations age, the demand for health care professionals increases. The college provides the skills and confidence you need to care for others when they need help the most, including fields such as hygiene and medical imaging.
- STEM Fields: Students can explore innovation and high-tech subject areas. This could involve working to keep countries sound, working in information technology, developing software or write a computer game, or working to improve homes, vehicles and infrastructures. You might find yourself working with energy, reinvigorating the manufacturing industry or enhancing the environment.
- Culinary Arts: Students can hone their skills in kitchen facilities and potentially work in a kitchen at an international corporation.
Additional Resources and Support
College of DuPage provides numerous resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.
- Advising and Registration: Advising/Registration for Spring 2026 begins for currently enrolled students on November 3. Spring 2026 registration begins for all students on November 17. Winter Intersession 2026 registration begins for all students on November 17.
- myACCESS Portal: Students can access their schedules, refund dates, and other important information through the myACCESS portal at inside.cod.edu.
- Student Support Services: The college offers a range of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and career services, to help students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Understanding Grades: Students should be aware that mid-term warning grades are issued to the Registrar on October 17 for the full fall term and September 29 and November 24 for Quick Terms I and II, respectively. The last day to resolve INC grades from Spring and Summer Sessions 2025 is December 8. Final grades are due to the Registrar by Midnight on December 29 for the full fall term and October 27 for Quick Term I.
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