Start and End Dates of the Academic Year:

The academic year usually begins in August or September and ends in May or June.

Some colleges may follow a trimester or quarter system, which divides the academic year into three or four periods.

Semester or Term Dates:

Semester System: Most colleges use the semester system, which divides the year into two main semesters:

• Fall Semester (or First Semester): Starts in late summer/early fall (typically in August or September) and ends in December.
• Spring Semester (or Second Semester): Starts in January and ends in May or June.

Trimester or Quarter System: In some colleges, the year is divided into three or four terms, each lasting approximately 10-12 weeks.

Examination Periods:

• Mid-term exams are typically scheduled halfway through each semester or term.
• Final exams are held at the end of each semester or term. The dates for these exams are announced by the institution in advance.

Holidays and Breaks:

• Winter Break: A break from classes usually from mid-December to early January.
• Spring Break: A short holiday during the middle of the spring semester, usually in March or April.
• Summer Break: For institutions on the semester system, summer break typically lasts from June to August.
• Public Holidays: Institutions typically observe national or regional public holidays like Independence Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Day.

Orientation and Registration Periods:

• Colleges may have orientation sessions for new students before the start of the academic year, usually in August.
• Course registration often occurs before the beginning of each semester or term.

Academic Events and Deadlines:

• Add/Drop Period: A time frame during which students can add or drop classes without penalty, usually at the start of the semester.
• Midterm Grading: The point in the semester when professors issue midterm grades to assess progress.
• End of Semester Activities: This could include graduation ceremonies, award nights, or final project presentations.

Other Events:

• Convocation/Graduation Ceremonies: Typically held at the end of the academic year for those completing their programs.
• Cultural and Sports Events: These are often scheduled throughout the year to provide a break from academics.