Fall 2027 Semester Calendar Finalized: Key Features & Resources

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Summary

• Semester calendar milestone reached in defining term lengths, breaks, reading days and exam periods
• Timeline provided of milestones leading up to semester calendar launch in August 2027
• Helpful resources are available now, including internal calendar visual to guide program redesign
• More resources coming soon: Student-friendly calendar visuals and communications

Dear Colleagues,

As we welcome you back to a new academic year and all it holds, we are excited to share another milestone achieved in Drexel’s Academic Transformation: the defining of our new semester calendar — launching in August 2027 — including term lengths, breaks, reading days and exam periods. This is more than a shift in scheduling; it is a strategic move that reflects our commitment to centering students in all that we do.

Why We’re Making These Changes

• Support deeper learning and academic engagement
• Expand experiential learning— courses, co-op, research, study abroad and more
• Improve alignment with peers, easing credit transfer and academic partnerships
• Provide greater flexibility for students, faculty and professional staff

What’s Changing: Calendar Features

• Fall & Spring Semesters: 14 weeks of instruction, followed by a week of final exams. Also includes two reading days prior to exams.
• Fall Break & Holidays: Introduces a new five-day Fall break for students, separate from Thanksgiving. Maintains the current Wednesday–Friday Thanksgiving break and designates Election Day as a no-class day.
• Summer Term Flexibility: Redesigned to offer flexible formats and uses, including full-term (12 weeks of instruction plus a week for finals) and part-term (6-week) courses, experiential opportunities, or a summer break. Some academic plans (4-1; 5-3 co-op) may require one summer of coursework.

When & How: Timeline to Semesters

We’re committed to keeping students and faculty informed throughout this process. Key milestones include:

• Fall 2025: Academic programs begin redesign; undergraduate and graduate handbooks will guide faculty in revisions.
• July 2026: Redesigned programs finalized and published in the 2027–28 Academic Catalog. Advisors begin working with current students to develop personalized transition plans.
• July 2026-July 2027: Courses redesigned for semester calendar.
• Summer 2027: Transition term between quarters and semesters managed to minimize disruption; more details coming soon.
• August 23, 2027: Semester calendar officially launches.

Details Available Now

The following are available now for internal use in the Resources section of the Transformation SharePoint

• 2027-2028 Calendar Dates
• Visual of the calendar to support program redesign
• Quick guide to key features and benefits of the new calendar, including redesigned summer term and maintaining 6-month co-ops

Coming Soon

• FAQ addressing top questions for current and prospective students
• Student/family-friendly versions of the calendar, including dates
• Tailored communications for students and families

With each passing milestone, Drexel’s future takes shape; thank you all for your continued partnership as we build that vision together. If you have any questions, please share them in the linked form and a member of the Provost’s Office team will follow up with you.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost