University of California Merced Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Merced, California
Public | Semester System | ~9000 Students
Looking for important University of California, Merced academic calendar dates? Below you'll find registration periods, semester information, finals, commencement, and other resources.
Stay Organized at UC Merced with Course Sync
Keep your UC Merced classes, assignments, registration dates, exams, and important academic deadlines organized in one place. Course Sync helps you build a personalized semester plan so you can stay ahead of deadlines, reduce stress, and stay focused throughout the entire academic year.
School Facts Card
School's Name
University of California, Merced
School's City
Merced
School's State
California
School Semester System
Semester
School's Enrollment
9000
School's Type
Public
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
August 18, 2026
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
September 15, 2026
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
November 3, 2026
Fall Finals Week Start Date
December 11, 2028
Fall Finals Week End Date
December 17, 2028
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
January 11, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
February 7, 2027
Spring Break Start Date
March 21, 2027
Spring Break End Date
March 24, 2027
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
April 6, 2027
Spring Finals Week Start Date
May 7, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
May 13, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
University of California, Merced
Summer Semester Begins
Merced
University Overview
The University of California, Merced (UC Merced) is the newest campus in the University of California system, located in Merced, California. The university is known for programs in engineering, natural sciences, environmental systems, data science, public health, psychology, and social sciences. UC Merced emphasizes research, interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, and undergraduate research opportunities. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar with Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions, including accelerated 8-week terms. The Office of the Registrar publishes official academic calendars with important dates for registration, instruction, holidays, final examinations, and commencement.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The Fall 2026 semester begins on August 19, 2026, with instruction beginning on August 26, 2026. Students should review the academic calendar before classes begin to understand registration periods, add/drop deadlines, holidays, withdrawal deadlines, and final examination schedules.
Spring Semester
The Spring 2027 semester begins on January 12, 2027, with instruction beginning on January 19, 2027. Throughout the semester, students should monitor registration periods, spring recess, academic deadlines, and final examination schedules.
Summer Semester
UC Merced offers multiple Summer sessions, including six-week, eight-week, and twelve-week formats. These sessions allow students to accelerate degree completion, complete prerequisites, or explore additional coursework outside the traditional academic year.
Registration Overview
Spring 2027 registration is scheduled for November 2 through November 13, 2026. Summer 2027 registration begins February 22, 2027, and Fall 2027 registration begins April 5, 2027. Students should meet with their academic advisors before registration to remain on track for graduation.
Finals Overview
Fall 2026 final examinations are scheduled for December 12 and December 14 through December 18, 2026. Spring 2027 final examinations are scheduled for May 8 and May 10 through May 14, 2027. Students should verify their individual exam schedules because times vary by course.
Graduation Overview
Graduate Spring Commencement is scheduled for May 14, 2027, while Undergraduate Spring Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for May 15 and May 16, 2027. Students should monitor graduation requirements and application deadlines throughout the academic year.
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 registration
Register as early as your enrollment window 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 Merced academic calendar?
The UC Santa Cruz Office of the Registrar publishes the official academic calendar with quarter dates, enrollment deadlines, holidays, final examinations, commencement information, and administrative deadlines.
Does UC Merced use semesters or quarters?
UC Merced follows a semester-based academic calendar with Fall, Spring, Summer, and accelerated 8-week sessions.
Does UC Merced offer Summer and accelerated sessions?
Yes. UC Merced offers multiple Summer sessions, including six-week, eight-week, and twelve-week formats, as well as accelerated 8-week sessions during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Why should I check the University of California Merced academic calendar throughout the semester?
Reviewing the academic calendar regularly helps students stay informed about registration deadlines, add/drop periods, withdrawal dates, holidays, breaks, final examinations, and graduation requirements so they can better organize their semester.
Final Thoughts
The University of California Merced academic calendar is more than a schedule of important dates. It helps students coordinate coursework, research, registration, 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 Merced academic calendar as the final authority for semester dates, examination schedules, commencement, and other important academic deadlines.
