The academic calendar contains the dates of major academic events occurring each academic year and serves as an information source and planning tool for students, faculty, staff, families, and outside organizations. The academic calendar is published once a year, but is subject to change at any time. For more information, please contact SAS.
The majority of programs at Clarkson University operate on a semester calendar. Additional calendars for the Graduate Health Science programs, along with some graduate programs designed for working professionals operate on different calendars. Milestone dates for the current calendar year are listed below. For a detailed, multi-year projection, please select the academic calendar that pertains to the program in which you are interested.
Semester Programs
The academic calendar for semester-based programs includes all undergraduate programs, all graduate residential programs in Potsdam, except health sciences, as well as the Engineering Management MS and graduate Education programs based at the Capital Region Campus.
View the Semester Academic Calendar
| Current Year Milestones - Potsdam | Fall 2020 | Spring 2021 |
| First Day of Classes | August 19 | January 13 |
| Break Days | September 25, October 22* | To be determined |
| Midterm Grades Available | October 9 |
March 10 |
| Last Day of Class | November 13 | April 30 |
| Reading Days | November 16, 17 | May 3, 4 |
| Final Exams | November 18, 19, 20, 23, 24 | May 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 |
| Commencement (Potsdam) | November 24 |
May 13 - Graduate Commencement May 15 - Undergraduate Commencement |
| Final Grades Available | December 1 | May 17 |
*Fall 2020 Clarkson Days. Classes are not canceled, but watch campus announcements for information about special events and activities held these days.
| Current Year Milestones - CRC & Beacon | Fall 2020 | Spring 2021 |
| First Day of Classes | August 31 | January 13 |
| Break Days | October 12, 13 | Feb 18-19, March 15-19 |
| Midterm Grades Available | October 28 |
March 10 |
| Last Day of Class | December 11 | April 30 |
| Reading Days | N/A | May 3, 4 |
| Final Exams | December 14-18 | May 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 |
| Final Grades Available | December 21 | May 17 |
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.
View the Health Sciences Academic Calendar
| Current Year Milestones | Fall 2020 | Spring 2021 | Summer 2021 |
| First Day of Classes | August 31 | Varies by program | May 17 |
| Break Days | Varies by program | Varies by program | Varies by program |
| Midterm Grades Available | October 28 |
March 10 |
N/A |
| Last Day of Class | December 11 | Varies by program | August 27 |
| Final Exams | December 14-18 | May 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 | N/A |
| Commencement | November 24 | May 13 | N/A |
| Final Grades Available | December 21 | May 17 | August 31 |
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.
View the Quarter Academic Calendar
| Current Year Milestones | Fall 2020 | Winter 2021 | Spring 2021 | Summer 2021 |
| First Day of Classes | September 9 | January 4 | March 29 | June 14 |
| Midterm Grades Available | October 9 | February 3 | April 28 | July 14 |
| Last Day of Class | November 17 |
March 12 |
June 4 | August 20 |
| Final Exams | November 18-24 | March 15-19 | June 7-11 | August 23-27 |
| Final Grades Available | December 1 | March 23 | June 15 | August 31 |
| Commencement | November 24 (Potsdam) | N/A | June 11 | N/A |