Approved by President
Effective Date: July 1, 2021
Responsible Division: Academic Affairs
Responsible Office:  Registrar/MT One Stop
Responsible Officer:  Asst. Vice Provost of Registration and Student Records and University Registrar/Director, MT One Stop

I. Purpose

This policy provides consistency for the development of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University) academic calendar. The academic calendar is created by the Asst. Vice Provost of Registration and Student Records and University Registrar and presented to the Academic Scheduling Committee for approval.

II. Academic Calendar

A.  MTSU will offer fall and spring terms that follow the academic calendar template included in this policy. MTSU may offer terms of alternate length in addition to the fifteen (15)-week Fall and Spring semesters, but should be mindful of calendar conflicts and federal financial aid requirements.

B.  Each fall and spring semester, the 14th calendar day for full term (or proportionally adjusted for accelerated parts of term) must be identified as the last date a student can drop a class (withdraw) without a grade designation, including a “W,” appearing on the transcript. When providing alternate class formats, the institution is responsible for documenting equivalence in terms of student outcomes and competencies.

III. Template

A.  Fall Semester, Full Term

1.  Week One (1) of Fall semester begins with the first (1^st) day of class.

a.  Classes begin the fourth (4^th) Monday in August.

b.  Labor Day Holiday is the 1^st Monday in September.

c.  Fall break for MTSU will be scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of Week Eight (8), although MTSU has the flexibility to adopt an alternate Fall break date. 

2.  Thanksgiving Break (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week may also be included if the Fall break option described above is used. Wednesday is an extension of a break period where no classes will be held. (Administrative close days are not impacted.)

3.  Classes End

a.  Flexibility is provided at the end of the semester to address any concerns with the number of class sessions, lab availability, etc.

b.  All grades must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. the Sunday following the last day of final exams.

c.  MTSU must establish and publish an end-of-term schedule for the last day of class and final exams. Appropriate time for completion of end of course assignments and preparation for final exams must be included in the schedule.

d.  MTSU is responsible for communicating any variations in breaks or end of term schedules to students and faculty engaged in collaborative programs.

B.  Spring Semester, Full Term