Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar
Semester Programs
The academic calendar for semester-based programs includes all undergraduate programs, all graduate residential programs in Potsdam, except health sciences and the Engineering Management MS.
Semester Academic Calendars
- New Student Move-in* - January 7
- Returning Student Move-in* - January 8
- Classes Begin - January 9
- Career Fair - February 5-6
- February Break - February 20-21
- Classes Resume - February 24
- Midterm Grades Due - March 6
- Spring Recess - March 17-21
- Classes Resume - March 24
- Enrollment for Fall Classes Begin - April 2
- Last Day of Class - April 25
- Reading Days - April 28-29
- Final Exams - April 30 - May 6
- Final Grades Due at 9:00am - May 9
- Graduate Commencement Ceremony - May 8
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - May 10
Summer 2025
- Classes Begin - May 19
- Classes End - August 1
- Finals (not all classes have finals) - August 2
- Grades Due - August 5
Fall 2025
- First Day of Classes - August 25
- Fall Career Fair - September 17-18
- Midterm Grade Available - October 15
- Last Day of the Semester - December 12
- Fall Graduates Recognition Ceremony (Potsdam) - December 13
- Final Grades Available - December 15
Spring 2026
- First Day of Classes - January 8
- Midterm Grade Available - March 6
- Reading Days - April 27-28
- Last Day of the Semester - May 5
- Graduate Commencement (Potsdam) - May 7
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - May 9
- Final Grades Available - May 11
10 Week Session
- Classes Begin - 19 May
- Classes End - 1 August
- Finals (not all classes have finals) - 2 August
- Grades Due - 5 August
First 5 Week Session
- Classes Begin - 19 May
- Classes End - 20 June
- Grades Due - 24 June
Second 5 Week Session
- Classes Begin - 30 June
- Classes End - 1 August
- Grades Due - 5 August
- New Student Move-in* - August 22
- Returning Student Move-In* - August 23-24
- Classes Begin - August 25
- Career Fair - September 17
- Fall Recess - October 13-14
- Classes Resume & Midterm grades due - October 15
- Family Weekend Begins - October 31 - November 2
- Enrollment for Spring Classes Begin - November 5
- Thanksgiving Recess - November 26-28
- Classes Resume - December 1
- Last Day of Class - December 5
- Final Exams - December 8-12
- Fall Graduates Recognition Ceremony - December 13
- Final Grades Due at 9:00am - December 15
- New Student Move-In - 6 January
- Returning Student Move-In - 7 January
- Classes Begin - 8 January
- Career Fair - TBA
- February Break - 19-20 February
- Classes Resume - 23 February
- Midterm Grades Due - 2 March
- Spring Recess - 16-20 March
- Classes Resume - 23 March
- Enrollment for Fall 2026 Classes Begin - 1 April
- Last Day of Class - 24 April
- Reading Days - 27-28 April
- Final Exams - 29 April – 5 May
- Final Grades Due at 9:00am - 8 May
- Graduate Commencement Ceremony - 7 May
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - 9 May
Fall 2026
- First Day of Classes - August 24
- Midterm Grade Available - October 14
- Last Day of the Semester - December 11
- Fall Graduates Recognition Ceremony (Potsdam) - December 12
- Final Grades Available - December 14
Spring 2027
- First Day of Classes - January 7
- Midterm Grade Available - March 5
- Reading Days - April 26-27
- Last Day of the Semester - May 4
- Graduate Commencement (Potsdam) - May 6
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - May 8
- Final Grades Available - May 10
Graduate Health Science Programs
Including the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program, and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program. Most milestone dates are program-dependent. Please view the detailed health sciences calendar by clicking the button below for more information.
Health Sciences Academic Calendars by Program
Occupational Therapy
- New Student Orientation - August 21-22
- Classes Begin - August 25
- Fall Recess - October 13-14
- Classes Resume - October 15
- Midterm Grades Due (12pm, noon) - October 15
- Enrollment for Spring Classes Begin - November 5
- Thanksgiving Recess - November 26-28
- Classes Resume - December 1
- Last Day of Class - December 5
- Final Exams - December 8-12
- Fall December Recognition Ceremony - December 13
- Final Grades Due (9am) - December 15
Physician Assistant Studies
- Clinical Begins - September 1
- Classes Begin - September 8
- Fall Recess - October 9-10
- Classes Resume - October 13
- Midterm Grade Due (12pm, Noon) - October 15
- Enrollment in Spring Classes Begins - November 5
- Thanksgiving Recess - November 26-28
- Classes Resume - December 1
- Last Day of Classes - December 5
- Final Exams - December 8-12
- Fall December Recognition Ceremony - TBD
- Final Grade Due (9am) - December 15
Physical Therapy
- New Student Orientation - August 21-22
- Classes Begin - August 25
- Fall Recess (2026 and 2028 cohorts) - October 13-14
- Fall Recess (2027 Cohort) - October 16-17
- Classes Resume (2026 and 2028 cohorts) - October 15
- Classes Resume (2027 cohort) - October 20
- Midterm Grades Due (12pm, noon) - October 15
- Enrollment in Spring Classes Begins - November 5
- Thanksgiving Recess - November 26-28
- Classes Resume - December 1
- Last Day of Classes - December 5
- Final Exams - December 8-12
- Fall December Recognition Ceremony - December 13
- Final Grades Due (9am) - December 15
Occupational Therapy
- Classes Begin - January 5
- Winter Recess - February 19-20
- Classes Resume - February 23
- Midterm Grades Due (12 pm, noon) - March 2
- Spring Recess - March 16-20
- Classes Resume - March 23
- Last Day of Classes (first-year students) - March 27
- Final Exams (first-year students) - March 30 - April 2
- Final Grades Due (first-year students, 9 am) - April 3
- Last Day of Classes (second-year students) - April 24
- Final Exams (second-year students) - April 27-May 1
- Graduate Commencement Ceremony - TBD
- Final Grades Due (9am) - May 8
Physician Assistant Program
- Orientation - January 6
- Classes Begin - January 8
- Clinical Rotation 1 - Begins January 5
- Midterm Grades Due (12pm, Noon) - March 2
- Spring Recess - March 16 - 20
- All Classes Resume - March 23
- Summer and Fall Enrollment Begins - April 1
- Last Day of Classes - April 17
- Final Exams - April 20 - April 24
- Graduate Commencement Ceremony - May 7
- Final Grades Due (9am) - May 8
Physical Therapy
- Classes Begin - January 8
- Winter Recess - February 12 - 13
- Classes Resume - February 16
- Midterm Grades Due (12pm, noon) - March 2
- Spring Recess - March 16 - 20
- All Classes Resume - March 23
- Summer and Fall Enrollment Begins - April 1
- Last Day of Classes - May 8
- Graduate Commencement Ceremony - May 7
- Final Grades Due (9am) - May 8
Quarter Programs
The academic calendar for the quarter-based programs includes all remaining graduate programs not referenced above. The current year highlights are included below.
Quarter Academic Calendar
- Classes Begin - September 4
- Enrollment in Winter Classes Begins - October 18
- Last Day of Classes - November 13
- Final Exams - November 14-19
- Final Grade Due (9am) - November 25
- December Recognition Ceremony - December 14
- Classes Begin - Janaury 6
- Enrollment in Spring Classes Begins - February 14
- Last Day of Classes - March 14
- Final Exams - March 17-21
- Final Grades Due (9am) - March 25
- Classes Begin - March 31
- Enrollment in Summer Clases Begins - May 9
- Last Day of Classes - June 6
- Final Exams - June 9-13
- Final Grades Due (9am) - June 17
- June Commencement Ceremony - TBD
- First Day of Classes - June 16
- Enrollment Period - May 9
- Last Day of Classes - August 22
- Final Exams - August 25-29
- Final Grades Available - September 2
- Classes Begin - September 3
- Enrollment in Winter Classes Begins - October 17
- Last Day of Classes - November 11
- Final Exams - November 12-18
- Final Grade Due (9am) - November 24
- December Recognition Ceremony - December 13
- Classes Begin - Janaury 5
- Enrollment in Spring Classes Begins - February 13
- Last Day of Classes - March 13
- Final Exams - March 16-20
- Final Grades Due (9am) - March 24
- Classes Begin - March 30
- Enrollment in Summer Classes Begins - May 8
- Last Day of Classes - June 5
- Final Exams - June 8-12
- Final Grades Due (9am) - June 16
- June Commencement Ceremony - TBD
Occupational Therapy Department
Occupational Therapy Department
Our Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
How is the Occupational Therapy program at Clarkson unique?
The Occupational Therapy program at Clarkson is committed to fostering therapists who are prepared to respond to both current and emerging societal needs that influence individuals' occupations.
- We integrate experiential learning to help students develop internalized working models for practicing occupational therapy in culturally diverse, innovative practice settings.
- We have a state-of-the-art Smart Simulation Lab and Assistive Technology lab, both of which offer simulated living experiences and cutting edge technology. Between the labs, we can simulate an actual living space and incorporate high-tech solutions to everyday challenges, such as low vision supports, adaptive driving equipment, simulators, assistive technology devices and environmental controls.
- We have a vigorous science-based curriculum that gives students in-depth knowledge of the human body through cadaver dissection and classroom instruction.
- We have a robust research program affording students the opportunity to engage in practical, clinical research that holds promise of impacting clinical practice.
- We partner with our engineering colleagues to design new products for clients in the community.
The Occupational Therapy Department at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., serves the health needs of the community by preparing you to engineer occupational therapy solutions that enable health and well-being throughout an individual’s lifespan.
Clarkson's Occupational Therapy's "curricular threads" represent the themes that are interwoven throughout all of the coursework. They reflect the values and priorities of our department, as well as the unique philosophy and mission our University.
- Professional Identity - Students will value and assume an identity of service and contribution, by promoting occupation and participation in multiple contexts through the identification of barriers to and providing supports for occupational roles and performance patterns.
- Innovation - Students will develop the ability to meet the needs of local, regional, and global society, including a focus on rural communities, through research and scholarship.
- Technology - Students will learn to engineer solutions through technology including telehealth, assistive technology, and virtual contexts.
- Education & Research - Students will develop problem-solving abilities through science-driven practice and the use of practice-based evidence, with a focus on occupation as both intervention and outcome.
- Interprofessional Practice - Students will exhibit strong leadership and collaborative skills as they assume roles of advocacy and activism for both clients and the profession.
Each of these components is introduced early in the curriculum and reinforced in subsequent courses. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of collaboration during the learning experience; since OT's do not work in isolation, we believe they should not learn in isolation either.
Our Facilities & Resources
Students in our OT program benefit from state-of-the-art educational facilities and labs in a building dedicated to graduate health sciences. Take a self-guided tour through our 360 Occupational Therapy Virtual 360 Tour to see where our students learn.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) has been defined as any item, device or system, whether purchased, customized or fabricated, that can be used to improve the functional capabilities of an individual with a disability.
AT solutions can range from low-tech (simple) to high-tech (complex), depending on the unique needs of the individual. For example, one person might need to add foam to a pencil to make it easier to use, while another person requires a specialized computer system in order to "write".
What areas are addressed by AT?
- Mobility & community access
- Communication & social participation
- Education & academics
- Workplace modification
- Supported employment
- Recreation
- Self-help
- Aging in place
- Environmental modifications & controls
Occupational Therapy - ACOTE
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The Clarkson University Master of Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. ACOTE awarded the program a ten-year, full accreditation in September 2024. The next evaluation will be in 2033-2034.
ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number is 301-652-6611 x2914, email is accred@aota.org and its website is www.acoteonline.org.
Clarkson University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680, 215-662-5606. In addition, the University is accredited by the United States Civil Service Commission, and its curricula are approved by the New York State Board of Regents. The Occupational Therapy Program has been registered by the New York State Education Department.
Certification
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist, administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be an occupational therapist, registered (OTR). Graduation from an accredited program is a requirement of NBCOT for certification. It is also required for most states for licensing. For more information on the requirements for certification, see the NBCOT website at https://www.nbcot.org/. For more information on license requirements for New York State, see the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions website at https://www.op.nysed.gov. A felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT Certification Examination or attain state licensure.
Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found at NBCOT Program Performance Data.
Data below is reflective of a calendar year.
| Graduation Year | Students Entering/Graduating | Graduation Rate |
| 2022 | 17/17 | 100% |
| 2023 | 26/25 | 96% |
| 2024 | 11/10 | 90% |
| Total | 58/56 | 96% |
Year | NBCOT Pass Rate |
| 2022 | 86% |
| 2023 | 82% |
| 2024 | 83% |
The total number of graduates from the Clarkson University Master of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period 2022-2024 was 56, with an overall graduation rate of 96%. The average pass rate for the National Board Examination in Occupational Therapy during the 3-year period of 2022-2024 was 83%.
Therapy Students and STRIDE Adaptive Skiing
Clarkson University Occupational Therapy Student Metta Trautmen is taking her clinical knowledge to the mountainside as a volunteer with the STRIDE adaptive ski program at Titus Mountain!
Occupational Therapy CarFit Event
Clarkson University’s Occupational Therapy Department recently hosted a CarFit event at the university’s downtown campus to offer area senior drivers a free opportunity to check how their cars “fit” them. Occupational Therapy students became certified CarFit Technicians while walking elderly drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommending minor adjustments that help make their cars “fit” better for comfort and safety. Students also provided information to seniors on how to maintain and strengthen driving health while gaining hands-on experience.