College Semesters and Schedules
Each academic year at Columbia consists of two 15-week semesters (fall and spring), plus a summer semester. While the usual term of a class is a full 15 weeks, some subjects may be offered in shorter periods, ranging from one to eight weeks. Such intensive segments meet more frequently than traditional, 15-week courses. Courses are scheduled during the day and evening as well as on Saturdays to accommodate the schedules of working students, who compose a substantial percentage of the Columbia community. The January session (J-Session) is designed to offer concentrated learning experiences usually not available in the regular semester. Such courses are designed for both the matriculating and non-matriculating undergraduate student and may include, but are not limited to, immersion, intensive research, travel, certification, internships, master classes, community service, and workshops. For a list of courses offered by semester, go to Class Schedules.
FALL SEMESTER 2012
| Labor Day holiday |
Monday, September 3 |
| Semester Begins |
Tuesday, September 4 |
| Thanksgiving |
Thursday, November 22 - Sunday, November 25 |
| Semester Ends |
Saturday, December 15 |
JANUARY SESSION 2013
| Session begins |
Monday, January 7 |
| Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday |
Monday, January 21 |
| Session ends |
Saturday, January 26 |
SPRING SEMESTER 2013
| Semester begins |
Monday, January 28 |
| Spring break |
Monday, March 25 - Saturday, March 30 |
| Semester ends |
Saturday, May 18 |
| Commencement |
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 |
SUMMER SESSION 2013
| Memorial Day holiday |
Monday, May 27 |
| Session begins |
Tuesday, May 28 |
| 5-week term ends |
Saturday, June 29 |
| Independence Day holiday |
Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 |
| 8-week term ends |
Saturday, July 20 |
| 10-week term ends |
Saturday, August 3 |
| 12-week term and session ends |
Saturday, August 18 |
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