University of California Santa Cruz Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Santa Cruz, California
Public | Quarter System | ~20000 Students
Looking for important University of California, Santa Cruz academic calendar dates? Below you'll find registration periods, semester information, finals, commencement, and other resources.
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School Facts Card
School's Name
University of California, Santa Cruz
School's City
Santa Cruz
School's State
California
School Semester System
Quarter
School's Enrollment
20000
School's Type
Public
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
September 18, 2025
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
Fall Finals Week Start Date
December 6, 2026
Fall Finals Week End Date
December 10, 2026
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
March 28, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
Spring Break Start Date
Spring Break End Date
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
Spring Finals Week Start Date
June 6, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
June 9, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
University of California, Santa Cruz
Summer Semester Begins
Santa Cruz
University Overview
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is a public research university located in Santa Cruz, California. The university is known for programs in computer science, engineering, environmental studies, marine biology, astronomy, psychology, and the arts. UC Santa Cruz follows the quarter system with Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms. The Office of the Registrar publishes official academic calendars with important dates for instruction, enrollment, holidays, final examinations, graduation, and administrative deadlines.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The Fall 2026 quarter begins on September 19, 2026, with instruction beginning on September 24, 2026. Students should review enrollment deadlines, add/drop periods, holidays, and final examination schedules before classes begin.
Spring Semester
The Winter 2027 quarter begins on January 4, 2027, with instruction beginning the same day. Students should monitor enrollment deadlines, academic requirements, and important administrative dates throughout the quarter.
The Spring 2027 quarter begins on March 29, 2027, with instruction beginning the same day. Students should prepare for enrollment, spring deadlines, final examinations, and commencement activities.
Summer Semester
UC Santa Cruz offers several Summer Session formats, including 5-week, 8-week, and 10-week options. Summer enrollment opens on May 1, 2027, with instruction beginning June 21, 2027.
Registration Overview
Enrollment appointments are assigned before each quarter. Students should check their enrollment appointment, meet with academic advisors, and register as early as possible to secure required courses. Graduation application deadlines also vary by quarter.
Finals Overview
Fall 2026 final examinations are scheduled for December 7 through December 11, 2026. Winter 2027 finals take place March 15 through March 19, 2027, while Spring 2027 finals are scheduled for June 7 through June 10, 2027.
Graduation Overview
Spring 2027 commencement ceremonies are scheduled for June 11 through June 14, 2027. Students planning to graduate should submit graduation applications by the published deadlines and verify all degree requirements.
What Actually Works
Add every important academic deadline to one calendar
Review every course syllabus during the first week
Meet with your academic advisor before enrollment
Enroll as soon as your appointment opens
Begin preparing for final exams before finals week
Check the official academic calendar regularly for updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the official University of California Santa Cruz academic calendar?
The UC Merced Office of the Registrar publishes official academic calendars with semester dates, registration periods, holidays, final examinations, and commencement information.
Does UC Santa Cruz use semesters or quarters?
UC Santa Cruz follows the quarter system with Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms.
Does UC Santa Cruz offer Summer Sessions?
Yes. UC Santa Cruz offers multiple Summer Session formats, including 5-week, 8-week, and 10-week sessions with separate enrollment schedules and deadlines.
Why should I check the UC Santa Cruz academic calendar throughout the year?
Reviewing the academic calendar regularly helps students stay informed about enrollment appointments, add/drop periods, withdrawal deadlines, holidays, final examinations, commencement, and other important academic milestones.
Final Thoughts
The University of California Santa Cruz academic calendar is more than a schedule of important dates. It helps students coordinate coursework, research, enrollment, internships, and graduation throughout the academic year. Reviewing it regularly can help you stay organized and avoid missing important academic deadlines.
Important Note
Academic calendars may change because of administrative updates or unforeseen circumstances. Always use the official UC Santa Cruz academic calendar as the final authority for quarter dates, examination schedules, commencement, and other important academic deadlines.
