Duke University uses a semester-based academic calendar, where the year is divided into two main terms: fall and spring, with optional summer sessions. Each semester lasts about 17 to 18 weeks and includes instruction time, breaks, reading periods, and final exams.
Staying on top of key dates helps you manage your time and avoid missed deadlines. Whether it’s the start of classes, fall break, registration, or finals, having a clear view of the schedule keeps you prepared.
In this blog, you’ll find an overview of Duke’s academic calendar, including major events, holidays, and tips for staying updated throughout the year.
- The Duke Semester System
- Important Dates for AY 2025-2026
- How to Stay Updated
- Special Academic Events and Holidays
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
The Duke Semester System
Duke University follows a semester system, which splits the academic year into two main terms: fall and spring. Each lasts around 17 to 18 weeks and includes breaks, reading periods, and final exams. There’s also an optional summer term.
This format allows you to focus on fewer courses per term compared to schools on the quarter system, giving you more time to study each subject in depth.
Fall semester
The fall semester usually begins in late August and runs through mid-December and starts with orientation and the first day of classes, followed by academic events and holidays like Labor Day and Founders’ Weekend. Midterm grades are reported in October, and fall break offers a short pause mid-semester. The term ends with a reading period and final exams.
Spring semester
Spring semester starts in early January and wraps up in early May. It includes holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a full week of spring recess in March. Registration for summer and fall courses happens during this term. Like the fall, the semester ends with a reading period and final exams before graduation events in May.
Summer term
Summer is divided into two short terms. Term 1 starts in mid-May and ends in late June, while Term 2 runs from late June to early August. Each session includes its own drop/add deadlines, reading periods, and exams. These terms offer flexibility if you want to get ahead on credits, catch up, or explore electives with a lighter course load.
Important Dates for AY 2025-2026
Here are the important dates you’ll need to keep track of throughout the academic year at Duke.
Summer 2025
Date | Day | Event |
February 17 | Monday | Registration begins for all summer sessions |
May 14 | Wednesday | Summer Term 1 classes begin |
May 16 | Friday | Drop/Add for Term 1 ends (11:59 PM) |
May 26 | Monday | Memorial Day holiday. No classes are held |
June 11 | Wednesday | Last day to withdraw with W from Term 1 classes (undergraduates only) |
June 19 | Thursday | Juneteenth holiday. No classes are held |
June 23 | Monday | Term 1 classes end |
June 24 | Tuesday | Reading period (until 7:00 PM); Term 1 final examinations begin (7:00 PM) |
June 26 | Thursday | Term 1 final examinations begin |
June 30 | Monday | Summer Term 2 classes begin |
July 2 | Wednesday | Drop/Add for Term 2 ends (11:59 PM) |
July 4 | Friday | Independence Day holiday. No classes are held |
July 28 | Monday | Last day to withdraw with W from Term 2 classes (undergraduates only) |
August 8 | Thursday | Term 2 classes end |
August 9 | Saturday | Reading period (until 7:00 PM); Term 2 final examinations begin (7:00 PM) |
August 11 | Monday | Term 2 final examinations end (10:00 PM) |
Fall 2025
Date | Day | Event |
August 16 | Sunday | New undergraduate student move-in day |
August 17 – August 22 | Sunday – Friday | New undergraduate student orientation |
August 19 | Tuesday | New graduate student orientation begins |
August 20 | Wednesday | Welcome reception for new graduate and professional students |
August 24 | Sunday | First-Year Convocation |
August 25 | Monday | Fall semester classes begin (8:30 AM); Drop/Add continues |
September 1 | Monday | Labor Day. No classes are held |
September 5 | Friday | Drop/Add ends (11:59 PM) |
September 25 – 28 | Thursday – Sunday | Founders’ Weekend. Classes are held Thursday and Friday |
October 10 | Friday | Last day to report midsemester grades |
October 10 | Friday | Fall break begins (7:00 PM) |
October 15 | Wednesday | Classes resume (8:30 AM) |
October 20 | Monday | Shopping carts open for Spring 2025 |
October 29 | Wednesday | Registration begins for Spring 2025 |
November 7 | Friday | Last day to withdraw with W from Fall 2024 classes (undergraduates only) |
November 10 | Monday | Registration ends for Spring 2026 |
November 11 | Tuesday | Drop/Add begins for Spring 2026 |
November 25 | Tuesday | Thanksgiving recess begins (10:30 PM); Graduate classes end |
November 26 – December 9 | Wednesday – Tuesday | Graduate reading period |
December 1 | Monday | Undergraduate classes resume (8:30 AM) |
December 5 | Friday | Undergraduate classes end |
December 6 – December 9 | Saturday – Tuesday | Undergraduate reading period |
December 10 | Wednesday | Final examinations begin (9:00 AM) |
December 15 | Monday | Final examinations end (10:00 PM) |
Spring 2026
Date | Day | Event |
January 7 | Wednesday | Spring semester begins (8:30 AM). A Monday class schedule is followed (more info). Drop/Add continues |
January 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. No classes are held |
January 21 | Wednesday | Drop/Add ends (11:59 PM) |
February 9 | Monday | Shopping Carts open for Summer 2026 |
February 16 | Monday | Registration begins for Summer 2026 |
February 20 | Friday | Last day to report midsemester grades |
March 6 | Friday | Spring recess begins (7:00 PM) |
March 16 | Monday | Classes resume (8:30 AM) |
March 23 | Monday | Shopping Carts open for Fall 2025 |
March 25 | Wednesday | Last day to withdraw with W from Spring 2025 classes (undergraduates only) |
April 1 | Wednesday | Registration begins for Fall 2026; Summer registration continues |
April 9 | Thursday | Registration ends for Fall 2026; Summer registration continues |
April 10 | Friday | Drop/Add begins for Fall 2026 |
April 15 | Wednesday | Graduate classes end |
April 16 – 26 | Thursday – Sunday | Graduate reading period |
April 22 | Wednesday | Undergraduate classes end |
April 23 – 26 | Thursday – Sunday | Undergraduate reading period |
April 27 | Monday | Final examinations begin |
May 2 | Saturday | Final examinations end (10:00 PM) |
May 8 | Friday | Commencement begins |
May 10 | Sunday | Graduation exercises; Conferring of degrees |
Summer 2026
Date | Day | Event |
February 16 | Monday | Registration begins for all summer sessions |
May 13 | Wednesday | Summer Term 1 classes begin |
May 15 | Friday | Drop/Add for Term 1 ends (11:59 PM) |
May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day holiday. No classes are held |
June 10 | Wednesday | Last day to withdraw with W from Term 1 classes (undergraduates only) |
June 19 | Friday | Juneteenth holiday. No classes are held |
June 22 | Monday | Term 1 classes end |
June 23 | Tuesday | Reading period (until 7:00 PM); Term 1 final examinations begin (7:00 PM) |
June 25 | Thursday | Term 1 final examinations end |
June 29 | Monday | Summer Term 2 classes begin |
July 1 | Wednesday | Drop/Add for Term 2 ends (11:59 PM) |
July 3 | Friday | Independence Day holiday. No classes are held |
July 27 | Monday | Last day to withdraw with W from Term 2 classes (undergraduates only) |
August 7 | Friday | Term 2 classes end |
August 8 | Saturday | Reading period (until 7:00 PM); Term 2 final examinations begin (7:00 PM) |
August 10 | Monday | Term 2 final examinations end (10:00 PM) |
How to Stay Updated
The best way to stay informed is by checking Duke’s official academic calendar regularly. It’s published by the Office of the University Registrar and updated each year with important academic dates, holidays, and changes.
You can find it on the University Registrar page, under the “Academic Calendars” section. Bookmark the page or add it to your calendar app so you don’t miss important deadlines. You can also sync Duke’s calendar with Google Calendar or iCal to get automatic reminders.
If you’re active on social media, you can also follow Duke’s official accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and X. They often share announcements, event reminders, and academic updates. You can also check the Duke Today website for campus news and important information throughout the year.
Special Academic Events and Holidays
At Duke, the academic year includes more than just classes and exams. It also features important campus traditions, university-wide celebrations, and scheduled breaks that give you time to recharge or reflect.
These events help shape the student experience and often mark major milestones in the academic calendar.
General holidays
Duke observes several holidays throughout the year when no classes are held, giving you time to rest and reset. These breaks also offer a chance to join events that focus on culture, community, and reflection.
One of the most meaningful holidays is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes pause so the Duke community can honor Dr. King’s legacy where the university hosts lectures, service projects, and campus-wide events focused on justice and equality.
Memorial Day is also recognized and it’s time to remember those who gave their lives in military service. Other observed holidays include Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Each one gives you a moment to step away from school, connect with others, and celebrate national values like freedom, hard work, and gratitude.
Duke academic events
Duke’s academic calendar includes campus-wide celebrations like Commencement and Founder’s Day, along with department-level events that highlight student work and faculty achievements.
Commencement is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar and occurs when graduating students walk the stage, families cheer, and the university recognizes years of hard work. The atmosphere is proud, emotional, and earned.
Meanwhile, Founder’s Day celebrates the legacy of James B. Duke, whose endowment transformed the school into a leading university. It’s a day to reflect on Duke’s roots, recognize service and leadership, and honor the people who continue to shape its future.
Departments also organize their own events throughout the year. These include research showcases, guest speakers, and award ceremonies. They’re a chance to share your work, meet experts, and build connections within your academic field.
These special academic events at Duke are part of what makes your college experience complete. They highlight your progress, give you a platform, and connect you with the wider university community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Duke on a semester or quarter system?
Duke uses a semester system. The academic year is divided into two main terms, fall and spring, with optional summer sessions. This structure gives you more time to focus on each course and dive deeper into the material.
2. When is fall break at Duke?
Fall break for the 2025–2026 academic year begins on the evening of Friday, October 10 and ends when classes resume on Wednesday, October 15. It’s a short but useful break to recharge before the second half of the semester.
3. Can the Duke academic calendar change?
Yes. While most dates stay the same, weather events or other university decisions can lead to changes. Always check the official calendar to make sure you have the latest information. You can also follow Duke’s social media accounts to get real-time announcements.
Takeaways
- Duke runs on a semester system with fall and spring terms. Each one lasts about 17 to 18 weeks and ends with a reading period and final exams.
- You’ll get short breaks during the year, including fall break in October and spring recess in March. These breaks give you time to reset before major deadlines.
- Major events like Commencement and Founder’s Day are part of the academic year, which mark the progress throughout the year and bring attention to academic and community achievements.
- The Duke academic calendar includes dates for registration, holidays, exams, and more. Use it to plan ahead and avoid missing anything important.
- If you’re planning to apply to Duke, consider working with an admissions consultant to help you stay organized and improve your application.