Mississippi State University Academic Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide

For prospective and current students alike, the Mississippi State University academic calendar serves as a crucial tool for planning and navigating the academic year. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the academic calendar, outlining important dates and deadlines for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Understanding the Academic Year Structure

The University of Mississippi operates on a semester system, with both the fall and spring semesters each spanning 16 weeks. In addition to these traditional semesters, the university also offers intersession and summer sessions, each with its own unique start and end dates.

The academic calendar encompasses a range of significant dates, including registration deadlines, holiday observances, and final examination periods. It is important to note that calendar dates can be subject to change, and students are encouraged to confirm dates before finalizing their plans.

Key Dates and Deadlines for 2025-2026

The following outlines the key dates and deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Fall 2025 Semester

March 10 to April 7 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (Summer and Fall)
March 31 to April 14 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (Summer and Fall)
March 31 to July 31 (Monday to Thursday): Phase 1 registration period
July 31 (Thursday): Fall 2025 tuition and fees posted to students’ accounts.
August 1 (Friday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Refund period ends.
August 29 (Friday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
September 1 (Monday): LABOR DAY HOLIDAY (Administrative Offices closed).
September 2 (Tuesday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
September 10 (Wednesday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended August 28).
October 8 (Wednesday): Classes end.
October 9 to 10 (Thursday to Friday): Final Examinations.

Winter Session

October 6 to November 3 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (for winter, spring, and summer sessions)
October 27 to November 10 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (for winter session and spring)
October 27 to November 30 (Monday to Sunday): Phase 1 registration period (for winter session and spring)
December 1 (Monday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration
January 4 (Sunday): Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
January 5 (Monday): Classes begin; late registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through January 6. Phase 3 registration.
January 6 (Tuesday): Last day to register or add classes; refund period ends. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only.
January 7 (Wednesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add
January 8 (Thursday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended January 6). Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
January 16 (Friday): Classes end
January 17 (Saturday): Final examinations

Spring 2026 Semester

October 6 to November 3 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (Winter and Spring)
October 27 to November 10 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (Winter and Spring)
October 27 to November 30 (Monday to Sunday): Phase 1 registration period (Winter and Spring)
December 1 (Monday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
January 19 (Monday): MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY (Administrative Offices closed.) Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
January 20 (Tuesday): Classes begin; registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through February 2. Phase 3 registration.
January 26 (Monday): Students may add courses on a space available basis through this date. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only (between January 27 and February 2 may drop only with instructor’s approval).
February 2 (Monday): Last day to register or add classes (between January 27 and February 2 may add only with instructor’s approval.) Refund period ends. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only
February 3 (Tuesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
February 9 (Monday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
March 2 (Monday): Midterm Grades/Progress Reports due.
March 6 (Friday): Last day to submit applications for May and August diplomas. Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended February 2).
March 7 to 15 (Sat-Sun): SPRING BREAK.
March 9 to April 6 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (Fall and Winter)
March 30 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (Fall)
March 30 to November 9 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (Winter)
March 30 to July 31 (Monday to Friday): Phase 1 registration period (Fall)
March 30 to November 30 (Monday to Monday): Phase 1 registration period (Winter)
April 3 (Friday): GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY (Administrative Offices closed)
April 9 (Thursday): Honors Convocation
May 1 (Friday): Classes end.
May 4 to 8 (Monday to Friday): Final Examinations.
May 9 (Saturday): Commencement Convocation (Individual school/program ceremonies may be scheduled on this date or on the days before or after May 9.)

Second Spring

October 6 to November 3 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (Winter and Spring)
October 27 to November 10 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (Winter and Spring)
October 27 to February 28 (Monday to Saturday): Phase 1 registration period (Second Spring)
March 1 (Sunday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
March 17 (Tuesday): Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
March 18 (Wednesday): Classes begin; registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through March 23. Phase 3 registration.
March 23 (Monday): Last day to register or add classes. Refund period ends.
March 24 (Tuesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
March 25 (Wednesday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
April 2 (Thursday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended March 23).
April 3 (Friday): GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY (Administrative Offices closed.)
April 9 (Thursday): Honors Convocation
May 1 (Friday): Classes end.
May 4 to 8 (Monday to Friday): Final Examinations.

Summer Sessions 2026

Mississippi State University offers several summer sessions, each with its own distinct calendar. Here's a breakdown of the key dates for each session:

Full Summer Session

October 6 to April 6 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 30 (Monday to Thursday): Phase 1 registration period
May 1 (Friday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
May 10 (Sunday): Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
May 11 (Monday): Classes begin; late registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through May 12. Phase 3 registration.
May 12 (Tuesday): Last day to register or add classes; refund period ends. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only.
May 13 (Wednesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
May 14 (Thursday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended May 12). Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
May 22 (Friday): Classes end.
May 23 (Saturday): Final examinations held

First Summer Session

October 6 to April 6 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 30 (Monday to Thursday): Phase 1 registration period
May 1 (Friday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
May 25 (Monday): MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY (Administrative offices closed.) Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
May 26 (Tuesday): Classes begin; registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through June 1. Phase 3 registration.
June 1 (Monday): Last day to register or add classes. Refund period ends. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only.
June 2 (Tuesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
June 4 (Thursday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
June 16 (Tuesday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended June 1).
June 22 to June 26 (Monday to Friday): Classes suspended.
June 29 (Monday): Classes reconvene.
July 3 (Friday): INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY observed (Administrative offices closed.)
July 22 (Wednesday): Classes end.
July 23 to 24 (Thursday to Friday): Final Examinations

Second Summer Session

October 6 to April 6 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 30 (Monday to Thursday): Phase 1 registration period
May 1 (Friday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
May 25 (Monday): MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY (Administrative offices closed.) Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
May 26 (Tuesday): Classes begin; registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through May 28. Phase 3 registration.
May 28 (Thursday): Last day to register or add classes; refund period ends. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only.
May 29 (Friday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
June 2 (Tuesday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
June 4 (Thursday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended May 28).
June 19 (Friday): Classes end.
June 22 to 23 (Monday to Tuesday): Final Examinations.

Full Regular Academic Summer Semester

October 6 to April 6 (Monday to Monday): Academic Advising (all summer terms)
October 27 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (all summer terms)
October 27 to May 31 (Monday to Sunday): Phase 1 registration period
June 1 (Monday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
June 24 (Wednesday): Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
June 25 (Thursday): Classes begin; registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through June 29. Phase 3 registration.
June 29 (Monday): Last day to register or add classes; refund period ends. Deadline for course withdrawals - Law School only.
June 30 (Tuesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
July 2 (Thursday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
July 3 (Friday): INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY observed (Administrative offices closed.)
July 7 (Tuesday): Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended June 29).
July 22 (Wednesday): Classes end.
July 23 to 24 (Thursday to Friday): Final examinations.

August Intersession

October 6 to April 6 (Monday to Monday): Academic advising (for all summer terms)
October 27 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority registration (for all summer terms)
October 27 to June 30 (Monday to Tuesday): Phase 1 registration period
July 1 (Wednesday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 2 registration.
July 26 (Sunday): Last day to officially cancel registration and avoid responsibility for payment of tuition and fees.
July 27 (Monday): Classes begin; registration fee ($100) assessed this date; 100% refund (less 5% of fees or $100, whichever is less) on withdrawals through July 28. Phase 3 registration.
July 28 (Tuesday): Last day to register or add classes. Refund period ends.
July 29 (Wednesday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
July 30 (Thursday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended July 28).
August 7 (Friday): Classes end.
August 8 (Saturday): Final Examinations

Key Dates and Deadlines for 2026-2027

The following outlines the key dates and deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Fall 2026 Semester

March 9 to April 6 (Monday to Friday): Academic Advising (Fall and Winter)
March 30 to April 13 (Monday to Monday): Priority Registration (Fall)
March 30 to July 31 (Monday to Friday): Phase 1 registration period
July 31 (Friday): Fall 2026 tuition and fees posted to student accounts
August 1 (Saturday): $50 registration fee assessed this date. Phase 3 registration.
August 28 (Friday): Students may add courses on a space available basis through this date.
September 4 (Friday): Last day to register or add classes (between August 28 and September 4 may add only with instructor's approval.) Refund period ends.
September 5 (Saturday): $10 fee assessed per drop or add.
September 7 (Monday): LABOR DAY HOLIDAY (Administrative Offices closed.)
September 14 (Monday): Mandatory drop date for non-attendance.
September 28 to November 9 (Monday to Monday): Academic advising (for Spring and all Summer sessions)
October 5 (Monday): Midterm Grading/Progress reports due.
October 12 (Monday): Last day to submit applications for December diplomas. Deadline for course withdrawals (no refund; refund period ended September 4).
October 26 to November 9 (Monday to Monday): Priority registration (for Spring)
October 26 to April 12 (Monday to Monday): Priority registration (for all Summer sessions)
October 26 to November 30 (Monday to Monday): Phase 1 registration period (for full and first Spring).
October 26 to February 28 (Monday to Sunday): Phase 1 registration period (for second Spring)
October 26 to April 30 (Monday to Friday): Phase 1 registration period (for May intersession, full and first Summer)
October 26 to May 31 (Monday to Monday): Phase 1 registration period (for second Summer)
October 26 to June 30 (Monday to Wednesday): Phase 1 registration period (for August intersession)
November 21 to November 29 (Sat-Sun): THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY (Administrative Offices closed November 27-29)

Important Information and Policies

Make-up Days

Enrollees are encouraged to avoid making commitments that would prevent them from attending classes or exams that could be held on make-up days if necessary due to weather or other unpredictable circumstances. Make-up days could possibly be added on Saturdays during the session or at the end of the published calendar which could include classes or exams the following week.

Faculty Evaluation Guidelines

All faculty members and academic department chairs must be evaluated on an annual basis. Evaluations must be completed by April 30. The review period is January 2025 through December 2025. The appraisal will be used by the next level supervisor when completing the annual performance appraisals.

International Travel

International Travel must be approved by the President of the University, Provost, and the Department Budget Manager six (6) weeks before the first date of travel.

Additional Resources

Academic Calendar: For a complete listing of important dates, including holidays, registration deadlines, and final exam schedules, please refer to the official Mississippi State University Academic Calendar.
MyState Portal: Students can access their personalized academic calendar, registration information, and other important resources through the MyState portal.
(Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, etc.): Below highlights important dates for students enrolled in full session courses.

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