Navigating the Niagara University Academic Calendar
Niagara University, a private institution founded in 1856, operates on a semester-based academic calendar. Ranked #28 in Regional Universities North and #1 in Best Value Schools in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, the university's academic calendar is a crucial resource for students, faculty, and staff. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,692 (fall 2024) and a suburban setting across its 182-acre campus, understanding the key dates and deadlines is essential for academic success. The student-faculty ratio at Niagara University is 10:1. Niagara University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's tuition and fees are $40,180. Fifty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $18,135. The four-year graduation rate is 67%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $48,289. Note that the board of trustees, administration, and the office of the registrar reserve the right to modify or amend this calendar as deemed necessary.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The academic calendar includes important dates related to registration, course changes, holidays, and graduation. Here's a breakdown of some crucial periods:
Winter Intersession and Spring Semester
- Add/Drop Day for Winter Intersession Classes: Be aware that financial penalties may apply for changes made on this day. Contact the Cashier's Office at (716) 614-6443 for tuition information.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19.
- Instruction Begins for Spring 2026 Classes: January 20 marks the start of the Spring semester.
- Last Day to Elect to Audit a Class for Spring: Students must make their audit election by this date.
- Last Day for Non-Matriculated Student Registration for Spring: Non-matriculated students should complete their registration by this deadline.
- Attendance Reporting Crisis: During specific weeks in January and August/September (August 31/September 1-18), faculty are required to report student attendance. Failure to attend classes may result in a final grade of W (withdrawal) or X (withdrawal from college).
Registration Periods
- April 6: All students should file a FAFSA by this date to secure funds for Fall classes.
- Readmit Registration Begins for Summer & Fall 2026: Former students looking to return should take note of this date and click here for more information.
- Fall Registration Begins for CROSS REGISTRATION: Students interested in cross-registration opportunities should click here for more information.
- Senior Scholar Registration Begins for Summer Session II Courses: Senior Scholars can begin registering for Summer Session II courses on July 9. Log into Banner Web. Under “Student Records” select “Apply for Graduation”. Click here for more information.
- Register Before New Students: Current students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their advisor to plan courses and register for the next semester before new students.
Course Withdrawal and Academic Progress
- Decision Day: These dates in January and August/September are critical for students struggling in their courses. Students should consult with their instructors to determine if dropping a course with a "W" grade is the best option or if the course can be salvaged.
- Last Day to Withdraw from ALL Fall 2026 Classes: August/September marks the deadline to withdraw from Fall classes, resulting in "X" grades on the transcript. Contact the Student Success Center at 716-614-6290 or Records Office at 716-614-6250.
- Important Considerations Regarding Course Withdrawal: Dropping a course may negatively affect progress toward your degree, so it's crucial to talk with your advisor before making this decision. Don’t wait until the last day!
Graduation
- May 8: Last day to apply for graduation for the Spring 2026 semester - Click here for more information. Last chance to show what you know!
Resources and Support
Niagara University offers various resources to support students in their academic journey:
- Advisors: Schedule regular appointments with your advisor to plan courses and discuss academic progress.
- Student Success Center: Contact the Student Success Center at 716-614-6290 for assistance with academic support services.
- Records Office: The Records Office can be reached at 716-614-6250 for questions related to registration and academic records.
- Cashier's Office: Contact the Cashier's Office at (716) 614-6443 for questions about tuition and fees.
Academic Programs
Niagara University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
- Biology, B.S.
- English, B.A.
- English/Early Childhood and Elementary Education, B.A.
- English/Middle Childhood and Adolescent Education, B.A.
- French, B.A.
- Hotel and Restaurant Management, B.S.
- Management, B.S.
- Marketing, B.S.
- Mathematics, B.A.
- Nursing, R.N. to B.S.
- Spanish, B.A.
- Sport Management, B.S.
- Tourism and Recreation Management, B.S.
- 4+2 Psychology, B.A. to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
- Students with Disabilities (All Grades), M.S. Ed.
- Educational Leadership, M.S.Ed.
- Niagara University Opportunity Program - Arthur O. The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M.
Additional Information
- Modular Courses: A modular course is a course that is not a full-term course (a course that both starts and ends on the first and last day of classes).
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tags: #niagara #university #academic #calendar
