The City University of New York (CUNY) system, home to one of the largest networks of colleges and universities in the U.S., runs on a well-structured academic calendar that keeps students informed and prepared throughout the year. The 2025–2026 CUNY Academic Calendar outlines all major academic activities, including registration deadlines, tuition refund periods, holidays, examination schedules, and graduation dates.
Below is a complete breakdown of the Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026 semesters, focusing only on the key dates that matter most to students.
Fall 2025 Semester Overview
The Fall 2025 semester marks the beginning of the new academic year for CUNY students. This term typically includes the largest enrollment numbers and sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Key Academic and Administrative Dates
- August 18, 2025 (Monday): Final day to submit a permit request for inter-college registration or visiting student permissions.
- August 25, 2025 (Monday): Last day to drop all registered courses and receive a 100% tuition refund.
- August 26, 2025 (Tuesday): Official start of Fall 2025 classes across all CUNY campuses.
- September 1, 2025 (Monday): Labor Day – College Closed. This marks the first official holiday of the term.
- September 15, 2025 (Monday): Final date for declaring or changing a major or minor to take effect for the fall semester. This is also the Form-A Census cutoff used for official enrollment reporting.
- October 13, 2025 (Monday): College Closed in observance of Columbus Day.
- November 6, 2025 (Thursday): Withdrawal Deadline – last day to officially withdraw from a course and receive a grade of “W.”
- November 27–28, 2025 (Thursday–Friday): Thanksgiving Break – College Closed.
- December 16–22, 2025 (Tuesday–Monday): Final Examination Period for all campuses.
- December 22, 2025 (Monday): End of the Fall Term.
- December 26, 2025 (Friday): Final deadline for submission of grades by faculty.
Degree Conferral
Students completing their program requirements in this term will have their degrees officially conferred on December 31, 2025.
The Fall 2025 term offers a balance between academic workload and holiday breaks, giving students the flexibility to manage coursework before transitioning into the new year.
Winter Session 2026 Overview
CUNY’s Winter Session 2026 is a compact term running for about three weeks between late December and late January. It is designed for students who wish to accelerate degree completion or make up for previously missed credits.
Key Dates
- December 26, 2025 (Friday): Final date to file a permit request for winter enrollment.
- January 2, 2026 (Friday): Start of Winter Classes. This date also serves as the last day to add a course or drop for a partial refund.
- January 16, 2026 (Friday): Withdrawal Deadline – last opportunity to withdraw with a grade of “W.”
- January 19, 2026 (Monday): Martin Luther King Jr. Day – College Closed.
- January 23, 2026 (Friday): Final Examinations and End of the Winter Session.
- January 26, 2026 (Monday): Deadline for submission of winter final grades.
- February 1, 2026 (Sunday): Official Winter 2026 Degree Conferral Date.
Winter Session is optional but popular among ambitious students who want to shorten their graduation timeline or focus on high-demand elective courses.
Spring 2026 Semester Overview
The Spring 2026 semester brings fresh academic opportunities and usually serves as the final term for graduating seniors. It features mid-semester breaks, federal holidays, and a comprehensive final examination period.
Key Academic and Holiday Dates
- January 25, 2026 (Sunday): Final date to drop all spring courses for a full tuition refund.
- January 26, 2026 (Monday): Start of the Spring 2026 Term; classes officially begin.
- February 1, 2026 (Sunday): Last day to add a new course for the term.
- February 12, 2026 (Thursday): College Closed for Lincoln’s Birthday.
- February 16, 2026 (Monday): College Closed for Presidents’ Day.
- March 20, 2026 (Friday): No Classes Scheduled, allowing mid-semester academic catch-up.
- April 1–9, 2026 (Wednesday–Thursday): Spring Recess – a full week off for students to rest, travel, or focus on pending coursework.
- April 13, 2026 (Monday): Final date to withdraw from a course with a “W.”
- April 21, 2026 (Tuesday): Classes follow a Thursday schedule to balance instructional days.
- May 16–26, 2026: Final Examination Period across all CUNY colleges.
- May 25, 2026 (Monday): College Closed for Memorial Day.
- May 26, 2026 (Tuesday): End of the Spring 2026 Term.
- May 29, 2026 (Friday): Final grade submission deadline.
- June 1, 2026 (Monday): Spring Degree Conferral Date.
Academic Highlights
This semester provides a mix of instructional days, national holidays, and exam preparation time. The Spring Recess offers a much-needed break mid-semester, while late April and May are typically focused on final projects and exams.
CUNY Holiday and Break Schedule for 2025–2026
CUNY follows the standard federal holiday schedule, ensuring that students and faculty get adequate time off throughout the year:
- Labor Day: September 1, 2025
- Columbus Day: October 13, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: November 27–28, 2025
- Christmas Holidays: December 24–25, 2025
- New Year’s Holidays: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
- Lincoln’s Birthday: February 12, 2026
- Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026
- Memorial Day: May 25, 2026
These scheduled closures allow for planned academic pacing and ensure compliance with federal holiday observances across all campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does CUNY’s Fall 2025 semester start?
The Fall 2025 semester officially begins on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with most classes starting that week across all campuses.
2. When are final exams for Fall 2025?
Final examinations for Fall 2025 will be held from December 16 to December 22, 2025.
3. Does CUNY offer a Winter Session?
Yes, CUNY offers a Winter Session 2026, starting on January 2 and ending on January 23, allowing students to complete accelerated courses in a shorter timeframe.
4. When does the Spring 2026 semester begin and end?
Spring 2026 starts on January 26, 2026, and ends on May 26, 2026.
5. What are the major breaks during the Spring 2026 semester?
The biggest mid-semester break is Spring Recess, scheduled from April 1 to April 9, 2026.
6. When are final exams for Spring 2026?
Spring 2026 final exams will be conducted between May 16 and May 26, 2026.
7. When are degrees officially awarded for each term?
- Fall 2025: December 31, 2025
- Winter 2026: February 1, 2026
- Spring 2026: June 1, 2026
8. How can students stay updated on CUNY academic dates?
Students can regularly check their campus registrar’s website or the official CUNY academic calendar for updated event changes, holiday notices, or exam reschedules.
Conclusion
The CUNY Academic Calendar 2025–2026 provides a clear framework for students to plan their academic and personal schedules effectively. With well-defined term start and end dates, structured breaks, and a balance of holidays, this calendar ensures consistency across CUNY’s 25 colleges. Whether you’re registering for your first semester, preparing for graduation, or looking to make the most of the Winter Session, knowing these key academic dates helps keep your year organized and stress-free.