Navigating the Academic Landscape at Johnson & Wales University

Johnson & Wales University (JWU), founded in 1914, provides a comprehensive educational experience. Ranked No. 84 in Regional Universities North and No. 7 in Most Innovative Schools in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, JWU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. This article will delve into the academic calendar, course schedules, and various policies that shape the academic journey at JWU.

Understanding the Academic Calendar

The academic calendar serves as a crucial roadmap for students, outlining key dates and deadlines throughout the academic year. The academic calendar lists start and end dates for classes, in addition to holidays and makeup class meeting dates (as applicable). JWU's academic calendars can be found on the Academic Calendars webpage. These calendars are offered for planning purposes only and are subject to change. It is important to consult the official academic calendar regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Semesters and Academic Year Definition

For financial aid purposes, the definition of an academic year is a period in which a student completes two semesters (credit hours), which consists of 16 weeks for a total of 32 weeks. The academic calendar includes two semesters (fall and spring). Summer is optional for undergraduate programs but may be required for some graduate programs.

Course Schedules and Formats

The course schedule is published before registration begins each semester. The course schedule includes course meeting days and times, seat capacity, course prerequisites, textbook information and additional information for courses meeting the search criteria.

Undergraduate Course Structure

Undergraduate courses: Courses are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday. Courses will be delivered over 16 weeks. Most undergraduate day program classes will meet twice per week, each over a 75-minute class period.

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The following table provides a general overview of undergraduate class scheduling:

Column One	Column Two	Column Three
Academic Classes - MW or TR	Culinary / Baking Labs - 15 class meetings - MW or TR	Science Labs / Design Studios
8-9:15am	7am-1pm	Double class periods
9:30-10:45am	1:45-7:45pm
11am-12:15pm
12:30-1:45pm
Culinary / Baking Labs - 15 class meetings - MTWR
2-3:15pm	7am-1pm
3:30-4:45pm	1:45-7:45pm
5-6:15pm
6:30-7:45pm(as needed)

Graduate Course Structure

Graduate courses: Master’s level courses are delivered over 8 or 16 weeks, in standard and hybrid formats. The majority of courses will be offered in the evening from 6-8:45pm. While graduate class schedules vary by program, the course schedule reflects specific meeting days and times for all courses.

Course Delivery Methods

JWU offers a variety of course delivery methods to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. These methods include:

On-Campus In-Person: An on-campus in-person course is organized around scheduled meeting days and times that take place entirely on campus in the location(s) listed on the course schedule available through jwuLink. Courses may use educational technology such as ulearn and other digital tools for class activities, communications and assignments completed outside of the scheduled times spent on campus in the face-to-face classroom. Course Search Campus Code: Providence Downcity, Providence Harborside or Charlotte
Hybrid: On Campus & Online (HYBRD): A hybrid course is offered principally through face-to-face instruction in a classroom setting for more than 50% of the class meeting times for any given semester. In-class sessions must include the first and the last class of the semester (which might be the final exam). On-campus and online synchronous course components are organized around scheduled meeting days and times listed on the course schedule available through jwuLink. Assignment of a day and time, but not a location, indicates that a course or section of a course takes place online synchronously. Assignment of a building and room number, in addition to the day and time, indicates that a course takes place entirely on-campus and in-person. Assignment of days, no times and no location, indicates that a section of a course takes place online asynchronously. Course Search Campus Code: Providence Downcity, Providence Harborside or Charlotte
Online Asynchronous: An online asynchronous course is fully online with no required-on campus activities or any mandatory face-to-face class sessions; thus, no meeting days or times will be listed on the course schedule available through jwuLink. All course activity, including assessments (which may include proctored exams), is done online. Students access the course when it’s convenient for them while still meeting deadlines posted in the syllabus. Online asynchronous courses use ulearn and other digital tools for class activities including lecture delivery, assignments and exams, as well as all class communications. Course Search Campus Code: Online
Online At Set Times - Synchronous: Virtual courses are online synchronously-delivered courses with no face-to-face class meetings. Students have the same frequency of direct interaction with faculty and other students during regularly scheduled day/class periods as in-person courses. Students are expected to attend synchronous sessions in the same way they are expected to attend face-to-face courses. Coursework is handled through videoconferencing tools such as Zoom, with synchronous sessions enhanced by various educational technology tools. Assignments are administered and turned in through ulearn. Students have access in ulearn to course materials that support faculty-delivered content along with other course materials, such as videos and links that enrich the subject. Classrooms are not assigned for these courses. Scheduled course activities may include weekly lectures and discussions. Assignments, quizzes and exams are administered and turned in through ulearn. Instructors may also offer online office hours and review sessions as indicated in the syllabus or course announcements. Online synchronous courses require students to join class sessions remotely and in real-time utilizing video conferencing technologies such as Zoom. Course Search Campus Code: Off Campus | Virtual Delivery
Off-Campus Experience: An off-campus experience course takes place off the JWU campus. Examples of off-campus experiences could include study abroad, student teaching, internships, practicums or clinical experiences.

Inclement Weather Policy

If a class session is missed due to inclement weather, no make-up date is scheduled but instructors are expected to post course content and assignments for students in lieu of the missed class session. This applies for both graduate and undergraduate courses.

Student Responsibilities and University Policies

As a student of the university, I agree to/understand all of the following: I agree to abide by this catalog and all other codes of conduct, handbooks, manuals, policies, procedures, regulations, rules, and any other publications applicable to students (collectively, “Publications”). I understand the university may, at any time and without prior notice, add to, amend, change, modify, revise, or supersede any of its catalogs, codes of conduct, handbooks, manuals, policies, procedures, regulations, rules, and any other publications (including, without limitation, marketing or promotional publications), and I understand the university may, at any time and without prior notice, add, cancel, change, modify, postpone, revise, supersede, or withdraw any policies, provisions, requirements, or rules in any Publications and may also at any time and without prior notice, add, cancel, change, modify, postpone, revise, supersede, or withdraw any classes, courses, activities, events, internships, laboratories, and programs (of study or otherwise); without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this includes, but is no way limited to, transitioning from in-person to remote classes, courses, activities, events, internships, laboratories, and programs (of study or otherwise).

Occasionally, program policies, provisions, requirements and rules will vary by the publication date of the catalog. Students should read and fully understand the policies, provisions, requirements and rules described in this catalog and all other Publications. In particular, among other Publications, all enrolled students are expected to be familiar with their campus Student Handbook. The Student Handbook contains important information regarding academic performance and personal conduct of students as well as university grievance procedures. It also outlines the conditions under which students may be placed on probation or suspension from the university or may be expelled (among other disciplinary measures). Student Handbooks are available online.

Please note that students enrolled in courses at the university may be required to participate in online discussion forums, student-to-student collaborations and student presentations with other students as part of course requirements.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) admits students of or with any age, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital or parental status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected category to all the activities, privileges, programs, and rights generally accorded or made available to students at the university. JWU does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital or parental status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status, in administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, loan and scholarship programs, and athletic or any other school-administered programs. Inquiries regarding the university’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

Financial Information

The school's tuition and fees are $44,122. Seventy-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $31,608. The four-year graduation rate is 39%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $35,802.

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