Posted December 11, 2014

New dates set for start of spring semester and Commencement

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Temple's new academic calendar guidelines allow better long-term planning for both students and their families.

Spring semester classes―and Commencement―will arrive earlier this school year than they have in the past.

According to Temple’s new academic calendar, spring classes will begin Monday, Jan. 12, about one week earlier than last year. Commencement will also move up about one week, to Friday, May 8. The new calendar will not affect staff members’ winter holiday schedule.

The new calendar went into effect at the start of this school year and included a new Fall Break over Thanksgiving week. In addition, there will be no classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19.

Knowing graduation date in four years

There are now standardized guidelines that determine the start and end of every semester. For administrators, this means better long-term planning that will benefit students and their families. Freshmen and undergraduate transfers arriving on campus will know their graduation day four years in advance.

“Graduating in four years is pivotal for students to limit their debt and take charge of their futures,” Temple President Neil D. Theobald said. “With the new academic calendar, students will know exactly what date they’ll graduate four years down the line, which gives them a clear goal to work toward.”

Friday Commencement

For the first time, in 2015 the Spring Commencement will be held on a Friday. This change was made in consideration of the growing number of students who have families traveling from outside the area.

In addition to the university Commencement, several of the individual school and college graduation ceremonies, as well as Phi Beta Kappa and Latin Honors ceremonies, will occur on Thursday, May 7. With Temple’s graduation events occurring over two days, families will have a greater opportunity to take part in all the ceremonies.

Jump start on summer jobs

By finishing classes earlier this year, students can begin their job search―and start working―sooner.

“The earlier end to spring semester will also extend the length of Summer Break,” said Provost Hai-Lung Dai. “Students concerned about falling behind on their goal of graduating in four years will have an opportunity to catch up during the summer and stay on track for a timely graduation.”

 

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