Navigating the Purdue Global Academic Calendar for Spring Semester Success
Understanding the academic calendar is crucial for students at Purdue Global. Unlike traditional universities with fixed fall and spring semesters, Purdue Global offers a more flexible system with multiple start dates throughout the year. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Purdue Global's academic calendar, focusing on the structure, important dates, and key deadlines to help students navigate their academic journey successfully, particularly during the spring semester.
Understanding Purdue Global's Term Schedules
Purdue Global operates on a 10-week term system. However, not all courses or programs follow the same timetable. It's essential to identify the specific schedule for your chosen program to stay on track. Bachelor's degree programs primarily utilize three Academic Calendar Tracks: A, B, or C. Many programs, such as the Bachelor of Science programs in cybersecurity, business administration, information technology, finance, or psychology, list courses aligned with any of the three Purdue calendar tracks (A, B, or C) for their programs. Finally, a handful of degree programs, like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), utilize two of the three calendar tracks, such as tracks A and C.
The largest number of bachelor's programs at Purdue Global align with Track C. For example, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in communication follows the Track C academic calendar, as do the BS in health information management and the BS in criminal justice, among many others.
Academic Calendar Tracks: A, B, and C
Each of the 10-week Academic Calendar Tracks (A, B, and C) has staggered start dates spaced regularly throughout the year, so you are not limited to just a fall or spring semester as with many universities.
Track A Calendar: Courses that follow the Academic Calendar Track A launch in January, March, June, August, or November.
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In 2024, these 10-week terms run from:
- January 23 to March 12
- March 20 to May 28
- June 5 to August 13
- August 21 to October 29
- November 6, 2024, to January 21, 2025
Track B Calendar: Courses on Academic Calendar Track B begin in either February, May, July, and October in 2024, with the following options:
- February 28 to May 7
- May 15 to July 23
- July 31 to October 8
- October 16 to December 23
Track C Calendar: Courses that follow the Academic Calendar Track C in 2024 launch in January, March, July, September, and December. These course terms run between the following dates:
- January 31 to April 9
- April 17 to June 25
- July 3 to September 10
- September 18 to November 26
- December 4, 2024, to February 18, 2025
Holidays at Purdue Global
Purdue Global observes several holidays throughout the year. It's important to note that while on-campus, residential classes are not held during these holidays, online coursework may still be assigned at the discretion of each instructor.
Purdue Global's school holidays during the 2024 calendar year are:
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- Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (January 13-16) - Tracks A, B, and C
- Memorial Day (May 25-27) - Tracks A, B, and C
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) - Tracks A, B, and C
- Independence Day (July 4) - Tracks A, B, and C
- Labor Day (August 31-September 2) - Tracks A, B, and C
- Thanksgiving Break (November 28-December 1) - Tracks A and B only (Please note that the Thanksgiving Break does not apply to courses on Track C since the term ends just prior to this holiday.)
- Winter Break (December 24-January 1) - Tracks A, B, and C
Key Deadlines and Important Points
Regardless of the specific start date of a term, the official academic calendar provides crucial deadlines that students must be aware of. Missing these deadlines can have significant consequences on your GPA or financial obligations.
For example, dropping or withdrawing from a course after the official deadline will require you to pay tuition even if you do not finish the course. You may also receive a 'W' instead of a grade or, even worse, receive a failing grade if you stop attending and do not withdraw by the deadline.
Last Day to Add/Drop a Class Without a 'W'
Students can add or swap courses during the first week of classes. This add/drop period concludes on the seventh day of the term. Schedule changes made before this deadline are accepted without financial or academic penalties. However, dropping a course after the add/drop deadline results in a 'W' grade on your transcript and full financial responsibility for the course tuition. Additionally, withdrawing from a course can impact financial aid eligibility and the time required to complete your degree.
Last Day of Attendance To Stay Enrolled / First Day of IP Withdrawals
Active engagement is crucial for success at Purdue Global. Students are expected to submit assignments on time and participate in discussion boards, seminars, and other learning activities. Instructors maintain attendance records, even for online courses, based on student engagement. Failure to log attendance by the twelfth day of the term/session may result in administrative removal from the course schedule. Withdrawing from a course typically results in a 'W' grade, unless the withdrawal occurs within the final two weeks of the term. In this case, a temporary 'IP' grade is assigned and reviewed after the term's end.
Last Day of Purdue Global's Commitment Trial Period
Purdue Global offers a three-week, penalty-free introductory period for new students to experience the curriculum and faculty. Students can opt out during this period without any financial obligation. The Week 3 checkpoint is the time to let the school officially know if you no longer wish to continue. If you continue past that period, you will be liable for all tuition and fees.
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Last Day for Students to Request Incomplete / Incomplete Coursework Due from Students
Students may request a grade of Incomplete if they have completed at least 75% of the course assignments and the instructor agrees that additional time will allow them to meet their learning goals. The request must be submitted to the instructor at least one week before the end of the course. The final decision to grant an incomplete grade rests with the instructor.
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