University of Kansas Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Lawrence, Kansas
Public | Semester System | ~30000 Students
Looking for important University of Kansas 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 Kansas
School's City
Lawrence
School's State
Kansas
School Semester System
Semester
School's Enrollment
30000
School's Type
Public
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
August 23, 2026
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
September 13, 2026
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
Fall Finals Week Start Date
December 13, 2026
Fall Finals Week End Date
December 17, 2026
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
January 18, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
January 24, 2027
Spring Break Start Date
March 14, 2027
Spring Break End Date
March 20, 2027
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
February 8, 2027
Spring Finals Week Start Date
May 9, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
May 13, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
University of Kansas
Summer Semester Begins
Lawrence
University Overview
The University of Kansas is a public research university in Lawrence, Kansas. KU follows a semester-based academic calendar with Fall and Spring semesters, along with a Summer semester and shorter course sessions. The Office of the University Registrar maintains the official academic calendar.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The Fall 2026 semester begins August 24, 2026. Fall Break runs October 17-20, Thanksgiving Break runs November 25-29, and the last day of classes is December 10. A Stop Day follows on December 11, with final examinations running December 14-18.
Spring Semester
The Spring 2027 semester begins January 19, 2027. Spring Break runs March 15-21, classes end May 6, and a Stop Day is scheduled for May 7. Final examinations run May 10-14, followed by projected commencement on May 16.
The University of Kansas does not have a traditional university-wide Winter semester. The academic year transitions from the Fall semester into the Spring semester, with the Spring 2027 semester beginning January 19.
Summer Semester
The Summer 2027 semester begins June 7 and ends July 30. KU also offers shorter Summer sessions, so individual courses can have different start and end dates.
Registration Overview
KU enrollment dates vary according to student classification and term. For Spring 2027, continuing-student enrollment appointments begin October 16, 2026. The university also publishes separate deadlines for enrollment, adding and changing sections, dropping courses, and withdrawing from the university.
Finals Overview
Fall 2026 final examinations run December 14-18. Spring 2027 final examinations run May 10-14. KU also maintains an exam calendar and separate schedules for short courses and certain professional programs.
Graduation Overview
The projected Spring 2027 commencement date is May 16, 2027. Graduation application and degree-completion deadlines can occur before the end of the semester, so students should review the applicable graduation deadlines.
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 shorter courses separately
Pay attention to course-specific withdrawal deadlines
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 Kansas academic calendar?
Grand Canyon University's official university calendar provides important academic dates and deadlines, including semester dates, breaks, drop dates, move-in and move-out dates, and commencement information.
Does the University of Kansas use semesters or quarters?
The University of Kansas uses a semester-based academic calendar with Fall and Spring semesters, along with a Summer semester and shorter course sessions.
Does the University of Kansas offer Summer courses?
Yes. KU offers a Summer semester as well as shorter Summer sessions. The 2027 Summer semester runs from June 7 through July 30, with individual courses potentially following different session dates.
When is Spring Break at the University of Kansas?
The University of Kansas Spring 2027 Break runs from March 15 through March 21, with classes resuming after the break.
Final Thoughts
The University of Kansas academic calendar is more than a schedule of important dates. It helps students coordinate coursework, registration, shorter courses, internships, employment, and graduation throughout the academic year. Reviewing it regularly can help you stay organized and avoid missing important academic deadlines.
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 Kansas's official academic calendar before making academic decisions.
