The administration at Rice University has released the 2025 academic calendar, highlighting key dates for students, faculty, and staff to plan their schedules accordingly. As one of the premier private research universities in the United States, Rice University is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience. Here’s a breakdown of the important dates for the 2025 academic year:
Fall Semester 2025
- Orientation Week: August 17 - 23, 2025. This is a crucial period for new students to get acquainted with the campus, meet with academic advisors, and register for classes.
- First Day of Classes: August 24, 2025. The official start of the fall semester, marking the beginning of academic activities for all students.
- Labor Day: September 1, 2025. A university holiday, with no classes scheduled.
- Mid-Term: October 13 - 17, 2025. A period for mid-semester evaluations and advisement.
- Fall Break: October 20 - 24, 2025. A week-long break for students to relax and recharge.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24 - 28, 2025. A four-day break for the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Last Day of Classes: December 5, 2025. The final day of regular classes for the fall semester.
- Final Exams: December 8 - 14, 2025. A week dedicated to final examinations and assessments.
- Winter Break: December 15, 2025, to January 12, 2026. A period for semester break and the winter holiday.
Spring Semester 2026
- First Day of Classes: January 13, 2026. The start of the spring semester.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20, 2026. A university holiday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Mid-Term: March 2 - 6, 2026. The mid-semester point for evaluations and advisement.
- Spring Break: March 9 - 13, 2026. A week-long break for students.
- Last Day of Classes: April 24, 2026. The conclusion of regular classes for the spring semester.
- Final Exams: April 27 - May 3, 2026. The final examination period.
- Commencement: May 8 - 9, 2026. The graduation ceremony for the class of 2026.
Important Registration Dates
- Fall Registration: April 6 - 17, 2025, for continuing students.
- Spring Registration: November 2 - 13, 2025, for continuing students.
Thesis and Dissertation Deadlines
- Thesis and Dissertation Proposals: Due by the end of the 3rd week of each semester.
- Final Submission of Theses and Dissertations: Due by the last day of classes for each semester.
Holidays and Special Events
- Rice Centennial Celebration: Throughout 2025, marking 100 years since the founding of Rice University.
- Family Weekend: October 3 - 5, 2025, an event for families of current students to visit campus.
- Homecoming: November 7 - 8, 2025, a tradition that brings together alumni, current students, and the Rice community.
Academic Advising
- Advising Periods: Scheduled throughout the semesters, with specific dates announced by the university.
- DegreeWorks: An online tool available for students to track their progress toward degree completion.
Key Contacts
- Office of the Registrar: For academic records, course schedules, and registration.
- Academic Advising Center: For guidance on course selection, degree planning, and academic support.
- Student Health Services: For health and wellness services, including counseling and medical care.
It’s essential for students to regularly check the official Rice University website and their Rice email for updates on these dates and any additional information that may be relevant to their academic journey. Planning ahead and being aware of these key dates can help ensure a successful year at Rice University.
