Academic Calendar
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 offered at Luther, one in June and another in July.
Below is the current academic year calendar. Click on the heading above each term to be linked to additional notable dates and deadlines within each.
If you have questions on the academic calendar, please contact the Luther College Registrar’s Office at (563) 387-1167 or registrar@luther.edu.
Subscribe to the Luther College Academic Calendar.
Fall Semester 2026
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Monday, August 24 – Friday, August 28 | Orientation of new international students |
| Thursday, August 27 – Friday, August 28 | Faculty days |
| Saturday, August 29 | First-year students arrive |
| Saturday, August 29 – Tuesday, September 1 | Orientation of new students |
| Sunday, August 30 - Tuesday, September 1 | Returning students arrive |
| Wednesday, September 2 | Fall semester classes begin |
| Friday, September 11 | Last day to add or drop (without a "W") full semester classes" |
| Friday, September 18 - Sunday, September 20 | Family Weekend |
| Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4 | Homecoming |
| Friday, October 16 | End of first half of semester |
| Saturday, October 17 – Wednesday, October 21 | Fall vacation |
| Friday, October 30 | Last day to withdraw from full semester classes with "W"" |
| Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29 | Thanksgiving vacation |
| Thursday, December 3 – Sunday, December 6 | Christmas at Luther |
| Friday, December 11 | Last day of classes |
| Monday, December 14 – Thursday, December 17 | Final examinations |
Spring Semester 2027
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Thursday, February 4 | Spring semester classes begin |
| Friday, February 12 | Last day to add or drop (without a "W") full semester classes" |
| Friday, March 19 | End of first half of semester |
| Saturday, March 20 – Monday, March 29 | Spring vacation |
| Tuesday, April 6 | Last day to withdraw from full semester class with "W"" |
| Friday, March 26 - Monday, March 29 | Easter vacation |
| Friday, May 7 | Learning @ Luther Showcase (no classes) |
| Friday, May 14 | Last day of classes |
| Monday, May 17 – Thursday, May 20 | Final examinations |
| Sunday, May 23 | Commencement |
Summer 2027
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Monday, June 1 | Summer session I begins/Summer term begins |
| June TBD | New student registration |
| Friday, June 25 | Summer session I ends |
| Monday, June 28 | Summer session II begins |
| Friday, July 23 | Summer session II ends |
| Friday, August 20 | Summer term ends |
Office of the Registrar
Main Building 123
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1167
Fax: 563-387-1129