University of Chicago Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Chicago, Illinois
Private | Quarter System | ~18000 Students
Looking for important University of Chicago 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 Chicago
School's City
Chicago
School's State
Illinois
School Semester System
Quarter
School's Enrollment
18000
School's Type
Private
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
September 27, 2026
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
Fall Finals Week Start Date
December 7, 2026
Fall Finals Week End Date
December 10, 2026
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
March 21, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
Spring Break Start Date
Spring Break End Date
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
Spring Finals Week Start Date
May 24, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
May 27, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
University of Chicago
Summer Semester Begins
Chicago
University Overview
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois. Unlike most universities, UChicago uses a quarter-based academic calendar with Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters, along with a Summer Quarter and September Term. The College's standard academic year consists of three quarters.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The University of Chicago calls its Fall term the Autumn Quarter. The Autumn 2026 Quarter begins September 28, 2026. Thanksgiving Break runs November 23-27, the College Reading Period runs December 5-7, and final examinations run December 8-11. The Autumn Quarter ends December 12.
Spring Semester
UChicago's Spring Quarter begins March 22, 2027. The College Reading Period runs May 22-24, followed by final examinations from May 25-28. Senior Week runs May 31-June 4, and Convocation and the Spring Quarter end on June 5.
The Winter Quarter begins January 4, 2027. The College Reading Period runs March 6-8, followed by final examinations from March 9-12. The Winter Quarter ends March 13.
Summer Semester
UChicago's Summer Quarter begins June 15, 2026, and ends August 22. The university also offers a September Term beginning August 24 and ending September 11. Summer courses can range from three to eight weeks depending on the session.
Registration Overview
Registration at UChicago takes place on a quarterly basis. Students use the university's registration systems to select courses for each upcoming quarter, with registration schedules and course offerings varying by academic program. The College requires full-time students to enroll in three or four courses during the Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters.
Finals Overview
Autumn 2026 final examinations run December 8-11. Winter 2027 final examinations run March 9-12, and Spring 2027 final examinations run May 25-28. Each quarter includes a College Reading Period immediately before finals.
Graduation Overview
University of Chicago's Spring 2027 Convocation is scheduled for June 5, 2027, which is also the final day of the Spring Quarter. Senior Week runs from May 31 through June 4.
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 soon as your enrollment window opens
Track each quarter separately
Use the Reading Period to prepare for finals
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 Chicago academic calendar?
Emory University's Office of the Registrar publishes the official academic calendars, including calendars for the current and future academic years. Emory also provides separate calendars for individual schools and programs.
Does the University of Chicago use semesters or quarters?
The University of Chicago uses a quarter-based academic calendar. The standard academic year consists of Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters, with an additional Summer Quarter.
Does the University of Chicago offer Summer courses?
Yes. UChicago offers a Summer Quarter and September Term, with Summer courses available in a variety of lengths and formats.
When is Spring Break at the University of Chicago?
The Spring 2027 break runs from March 14 through March 21, with the Spring Quarter beginning March 22.
Final Thoughts
The University of Chicago academic calendar is more than a schedule of important dates. Its quarter system creates a faster academic pace, making it especially important for students to organize assignments, exams, registration, and breaks throughout each term. Reviewing the calendar regularly can help students stay ahead of deadlines and make the most of each quarter.
Important Note
This page is intended for informational and planning purposes only. Academic calendars may vary by academic program, degree level, and course format. Always confirm registration dates, add/drop deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, examination schedules, and commencement information using University of Chicago's official academic calendar before making academic decisions.
