3.34 Academic Semester Start Dates

Part 1. Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to establish the same official start date for all colleges and universities in the system for fall and spring academic semesters. Establishing the same academic semester start date, referred to as the official system start date, for each college and university will provide students and the general public reliable information on a single system-wide start date for each academic semester, support inter-institution student enrollment, and increase public awareness that all colleges and universities are part of a single system. The official system academic semester start dates apply to the official beginning date for classes and do not apply to the first day of the faculty work year which is established by each college and university.

Part 2. Official System Start Dates. Each college and university shall implement the official system start dates for fall and spring academic semesters.

Part 3. Establishing the Official System Start Dates. The Chancellor shall establish, at least one year (12 months) in advance, the official system academic semester start dates which shall apply to all colleges and universities in the system. Special (or alternate) semester terms, designed to meet the needs of special student program or course cohorts, shall be exempted from the requirements of this policy as determined by the college or university presidents.

Part 4. Exceptions to the Official System Start Dates. The Chancellor may grant an exception to a college or university to allow an academic semester start date that is different from the official system academic semester start dates and shall inform the Board of Trustees of all exceptions granted.

Part 5. Procedures. The chancellor may establish system procedures to guide the implementation of this policy.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

3.34 Academic Semester Start Dates

Related Documents: