Luther operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar. First semester runs from September to December, followed by a three-week January Term. Second semester runs from February to May. In the liberal arts tradition of broad inquiry, students often use J-term to study abroad, perform internships in their field, or study one topic intensely while on campus.

Two four-week summer sessions are also offered at Luther, one in June and another in July.

2012-13 Academic Calendar

If you have questions concerning dates on this calendar, please contact the Luther College Registrar’s Office at (563) 387-1167 or registrar@luther.edu.

Fall Semester 2012

Monday, August 20 – Friday, August 24

Orientation of new international students

Thursday, August 23 – Friday, August 24

Faculty days

Saturday, August 25

First-year students arrive

Saturday, August 25 –Tuesday, August 28

Orientation of new students

Sunday, August 26

Returning students arrive

Wednesday, August 29

First semester classes begin

Friday, September 7

Last day to add full semester classes and due date of incomplete grades from previous semester

Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23

Family Weekend

Tuesday, September 25

Last day to withdraw from full semester class without record

Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 7

Homecoming

Friday, October 12

End of first half of semester

Saturday, October 13 – Wednesday, October 17

Fall vacation

Friday, October 26

Last day to withdraw from full semester classes with "W"

Tuesday, November 20

Senior projects due by 5 p.m.

Wednesday, November 21 – Sunday, November 25

Thanksgiving vacation

Thursday, November 29 – Sunday, December 2

Christmas at Luther

Friday, December 7

Last day of classes

Saturday, December 8

Reading day

Monday, December 10 – Thursday, December 13

Final examinations

January Term 2013

Thursday, January 3

Classes begin

Friday, January 25

End of term

Spring Semester 2013

Thursday, January 31

Spring semester classes begin

Friday, February 8

Last day to add full semester classes and due date of incomplete grades from previous semester

Tuesday, February 26

Last day to withdraw from full semester class without record

Friday, March 15

End of first half of semester

Saturday, March 23 – Monday, April 1

Spring/Easter vacation

Tuesday, April 2

Last day to withdraw from full semester class with "W"

Wednesday, April 24

Senior projects due by 5 p.m.

Friday, May 3

Student Research Symposium

Tuesday, May 7

Senior recognition convocation

Friday, May 10

Last day of classes

Saturday, May 11

Reading day

Monday, May 13 – Thursday, May 16

Final examinations

Sunday, May 19

Commencement

Summer 2013

Tuesday, May 28

Summer session I begins

TBD

New student registration

Friday, June 21

Summer session I ends

Monday, June 24

Summer session II begins

Friday, July 19

Summer session II ends