Academic Calendar 2024-2025

Bowdoin's 223rd Academic Year

AVAILABLE ACADEMIC CALENDARS

Current Academic Year: 2024-2025

Upcoming Academic Year: 2025-2026

Looking Ahead: 2026-2027

RELATED POLICIES

Bowdoin's policies surrounding religious holidays and college holidays are below

Fall 2024

August 23-25, Fri.–Sun. New international student orientation, beginning Friday 5:00 p.m.
August 26, Mon. New student arrival day
Aug. 27-Sept.2, Tues.–Mon. Orientation for new students
Aug. 28-31, Weds.–Sat. Orientation trips for new students
August 31, Sat. College housing ready for occupancy for upperclass students, noon
September 2, Mon. New student advising and course registration
September 2, Mon. Opening of the College—Convocation. 3:30 p.m.
September 3, Tues. Fall semester classes begin, 8:00 a.m.
Sept. 19-21, Thurs.–Sat. Explore Bowdoin I
Sept. 19-21, Thurs.–Sat. Alumni Council, Alumni Fund Directors, and BRAVO National Advisory Board meetings
Sept. 27-29, Fri.-Sun. Homecoming Weekend
October 4, Fri. Fall vacation begins after last class
October 9, Wed. Fall vacation ends, 8:00 a.m.
October 18, Fri. Sarah and James Bowdoin Day Ceremony
Oct. 18-20, Fri.–Sun. Family Weekend
Oct. 24-26, Thurs.–Sat. Explore Bowdoin II
Oct. 24-26, Thurs.-Sat. Meetings of the Board of Trustees
November 22, Fri. Thanksgiving vacation begins after last class (no classes M-F, administrative offices open through Tuesday, November 26 and closed W-F)
December 2, Mon. Thanksgiving vacation ends, 8:00 a.m.
December 12, Thurs. Last day of classes
Dec. 13-16, Fri.–Mon. Reading period
Dec. 17-21, Tues.–Sat. Fall semester examinations
December 22, Sunday College housing closes for winter break, noon
December 24 - January 5, Tues.–Sun. College holidays, most offices closed

Spring 2025 

January 14, Tues. College housing available for CXD's Sophomore Bootcamp, 8:00 a.m.
January 15-17, Wed.-Fri. Sophomore Bootcamp, Career Exploration and Development
January 19, Sun. College housing available for occupancy, 8:30 a.m.
January 21, Tues. Spring semester classes begin, 8:00 a.m.
February 6-8, Thurs.–Sat. Meetings of the Board of Trustees
March 7, Fri. Spring vacation begins after last class
March 8, Sat. College housing closes for spring vacation, noon
March 22, Sat. College housing available for occupancy, 8:30 a.m.
March 24, Mon. Spring vacation ends, 8:00 a.m.
April 3-5, Thurs.–Sat. Alumni Council, Alumni Fund Directors, and BRAVO National Advisory Board meetings
April 10-11, Thurs.–Fri. Bearings in Brunswick for Admitted Students
May 2, Fri. Honors Day
May 7, Wed. Last day of classes
May 8-10, Thurs.–Sat. Meetings of the Board of Trustees
May 8-11, Thurs.–Sun. Reading period
May 12-17, Mon.–Sat. Spring semester examinations
May 18, Sun. College housing closes for non-graduating students, noon
May 23, Fri. Baccalaureate
May 24, Sat. The 220th Commencement Exercises
May 24, Sat. College housing closes for graduating students, 6:00 p.m.
May 29-June 1, Thurs.–Sun. Reunion Weekend
June 9-13, Mon.-Fri. Virtual Pre-Orientation for Students Admitted for Fall 2025

 

Religious Holidays and Observances: in recognition of Bowdoin’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive student body and the variety of religions observed and practiced by our students, faculty are encouraged to avoid conflicts between academic coursework and major religious holidays. The Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life maintains a calendar of major religious observances of the officially recognized religious groups at Bowdoin. In addition, the multifaith calendar from the Harvard Divinity School is a valuable resource regarding many other religious observances that may be of significance to members of the Bowdoin community. Students or faculty who have any questions regarding how best to balance the academic calendar alongside religious observances are encouraged to consult with the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life.

College Holidays and Observances: Human Resources maintains the calendar of College holidays and special days off and can provide guidance on the interpretation and recording of work around these events. HR encourages staff, students, and faculty to reference the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's calendar of federal holidays as the official source for those dates and observances.