The Drew University Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 provides essential term dates, holidays, and milestone events for students enrolled across its three academic divisions — the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), Caspersen School of Graduate Studies (CSGS), and The Theological School (THEO).
The academic year extends from August 2025 through August 2026, including the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 terms. This schedule helps students plan their coursework, prepare for exams, and balance study with rest periods effectively.
College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Academic Calendar 2025–2026
The College of Liberal Arts at Drew University begins its academic year with an engaging welcome for new and returning students. Orientation programs, family weekends, and campus traditions create a vibrant start to the term.
Fall 2025 Semester
- New Student Move-In & Orientation: August 22–24, 2025
- Continuing Student Move-In: August 24, 2025
- Classes Begin: Monday, August 25, 2025
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025 (University closed)
- Family Weekend: September 26–28, 2025
- Fall Break: October 6–7, 2025
- Alumni Weekend: October 10–11, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025
- Last Day of Classes: Friday, December 5, 2025
- Reading Days: December 6–7, 2025
- Final Examinations: December 8–12, 2025
- Grades Due: December 17, 2025
The fall semester offers opportunities for academic and social growth. Breaks such as Fall Break and Thanksgiving provide students the rest they need before the exam period.
Spring 2026 Semester
- New Student Orientation & Move-In: January 19–20, 2026
- Classes Begin: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026 (No Classes)
- President’s Day: February 16, 2026 (Classes in session)
- Spring Break: March 7–15, 2026
- Reading Day: May 6, 2026
- Final Exams: May 7–13, 2026
- Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Memorial Day: May 25, 2026 (No Classes)
This semester emphasizes academic completion, leadership growth, and celebration. The Commencement Ceremony marks the highlight of the academic year.
Summer 2026 Term
- Summer Session 1: Begins May 26, 2026
- Juneteenth: June 19, 2026 (University closed)
- Summer Session 1 Ends: July 3, 2026
- Summer Session 2 Begins: July 6, 2026
- Summer Term Concludes: August 14, 2026
- Grades Due: August 19, 2026
The summer session allows flexibility for students seeking to earn extra credits, complete internships, or engage in independent study programs.
Caspersen School of Graduate Studies (CSGS) Academic Calendar 2025–2026
The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies offers specialized programs for postgraduate students focusing on research, professional development, and advanced degrees.
Fall 2025 Semester
- New Graduate Student Orientation: August 22, 2025
- Classes Begin: Monday, August 25, 2025
- Labor Day: September 1, 2025 (No Classes)
- Yom Kippur Observance: October 2, 2025
- Fall Break: October 6–7, 2025
- Alumni Weekend: October 10–11, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025
- Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025
- End of Term: December 12, 2025
- Final Grades Posted: December 17, 2025
Graduate students use the fall term to begin or continue research, attend conferences, and collaborate with faculty mentors on academic publications.
Spring 2026 Semester
- Classes Begin: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026 (University closed)
- Spring Break: March 7–15, 2026
- Reading Day: May 6, 2026
- Final Exams: May 7–13, 2026
- Commencement: May 16, 2026
- Memorial Day: May 25, 2026 (No Classes)
Graduate students finalize theses and dissertations during this period, with faculty mentorship playing a vital role in their academic journey.
Summer 2026 Session
- Summer Session 1: Begins May 26, 2026
- Juneteenth: June 19, 2026 (No Classes)
- Session 1 Ends: July 3, 2026
- Session 2 Begins: July 6, 2026
- Session 2 Ends: August 14, 2026
- Grades Due: August 19, 2026
Summer is a productive time for CSGS students to complete internships, research residencies, and capstone projects before graduation.
Theological School (THEO) Academic Calendar 2025–2026
The Theological School integrates academic learning with spiritual development and ministry training. Students experience a schedule that blends theological reflection with academic study.
Fall 2025 Semester
- New Student Move-In Day: August 21, 2025
- Orientation for New Students: August 22, 2025
- Classes Begin: Monday, August 25, 2025
- Labor Day: September 1, 2025 (No Classes)
- Matriculation Service: September 3, 2025
- Fall Break: October 13–17, 2025
- Alumni Weekend: October 10–11, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025
- Last Day of Classes: December 5, 2025
- Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025
- Grades Due: December 17, 2025
Spring 2026 Semester
- Classes Begin: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 19, 2026
- Holy Week (No Classes): March 30 – April 3, 2026
- Spring Break: March 7–15, 2026
- Final Exams: May 7–13, 2026
- Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, May 16, 2026
This term focuses on spiritual leadership and theological exploration, with special observances like Holy Week providing opportunities for reflection and worship.
Summer 2026 Session
- Summer Session 1: May 26 – July 3, 2026
- Summer Session 2: July 6 – August 14, 2026
- Doctor of Ministry Intensive: July 20 – August 7, 2026
- Juneteenth: June 19, 2026 (No Classes)
- Final Grades: August 19, 2026
Students in summer intensives often participate in short-term theological training, fieldwork, or research-based ministry studies.
Summary Table
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Major Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | August 25, 2025 | December 12, 2025 | Oct Fall Break, Nov Thanksgiving |
| Spring 2026 | January 21, 2026 | May 13, 2026 | March Spring Break, April Holy Week |
| Summer 2026 | May 26, 2026 | August 14, 2026 | June Juneteenth Holiday |
FAQs – Drew University Academic Calendar 2025–2026
Q1. When does the academic year at Drew University begin and end?
The academic year begins on August 25, 2025, and ends on August 14, 2026, spanning three major terms – Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Q2. When is the Drew University Commencement Ceremony in 2026?
Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, celebrating graduates from all three divisions — CLA, CSGS, and THEO.
Q3. Are there any long breaks during the academic year?
Yes. Major breaks include Fall Break (October 2025), Thanksgiving Break (November 2025), Spring Break (March 2026), and Holy Week (March 30–April 3, 2026) for Theological students.
Q4. Does Drew University observe federal holidays?
Yes. University closures include Labor Day (September 1, 2025), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2026), Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), and Juneteenth (June 19, 2026).
Q5. What are the summer study options at Drew University?
Students can enroll in Summer Session 1 (May–July) or Summer Session 2 (July–August) to accelerate degree progress or explore specialized topics.
Q6. What is Holy Week at the Theological School?
Holy Week, observed from March 30 to April 3, 2026, is a spiritual period without regular classes, allowing students and faculty to engage in worship and reflection.
Q7. Where can I find official updates or changes to the calendar?
All academic updates are published on the official website: www.drew.edu. Students should also check their campus email for important announcements.
Conclusion
The Drew University Academic Calendar 2025–2026 presents a well-structured schedule designed for academic success and holistic growth. From August 2025 to August 2026, students across the College of Liberal Arts, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, and Theological School will engage in an enriching year of learning, research, and community involvement.
With clearly defined start dates, holidays, and graduation milestones, this calendar ensures every Drew student can plan ahead, focus on their studies, and make the most of their university experience.