Important Dates: Spring and Fall Academic Year 2026
January 5–9: “Pre” Semester Classes (Upper-Level Students Only)
Upper-level students participate in early coursework designed to maximize academic planning and provide flexibility in scheduling for the semester.
January 6: North Carolina July Bar Examination Application Due (3L/4LE)
Deadline for graduating students to submit applications for the North Carolina July Bar Examination.
January 12: First Day of In-Person Classes (All Students)
The spring semester officially begins, with all students attending in-person classes.
January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No Class)
Campus closed in observance of the holiday honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
February 5–6: First-Year Assessments
First-year students complete assessments designed to evaluate progress and provide early academic feedback.
February 16: Student Wellness Day (No Class)
A designated day without classes to promote student well-being, rest, and self-care.
February 24: Mid-Term Assessments Begin (Upper-Level Students)
The midterm assessment period begins for upper-level students.
February 24–25: Uniform Bar Examination Administration
The Uniform Bar Examination is administered to eligible applicants over a two-day testing period.
March 3: July Bar Examination Deadline for Late Applicants
Final deadline for late applications to sit for the July Bar Examination.
March 5–6: Mid-Term Assessments (First-Year Students)
First-year students complete midterm assessments to measure comprehension of foundational coursework.
March 9–13: Spring Break (No Class)
A scheduled academic break providing students time to rest and recharge.
March 16: Classes Resume
Classes reconvene following Spring Break.
April 3: Good Friday (No Class)
Campus closed in observance of Good Friday.
April 24: Last Day of Classes
Formal instruction concludes for the spring semester.
April 27: Reading Day
A dedicated day for quiet study and preparation ahead of final examinations.
April 28–May 7: Final Exams
Students complete final examinations for the spring semester.
May 8: Hooding Ceremony – Graduating Students
A special ceremony recognizing graduating law students as they are formally hooded in celebration of their achievements.
May 9: Graduate/Professional School Commencement Ceremonies
University-wide commencement exercises celebrating the accomplishments of graduating students.
August 3–7: Flight School/Orientation (Week One)
The first week of orientation introduces incoming students to academic expectations, campus resources, and foundational skills for success.
August 10–14: Flight School/Orientation (Week Two)
The second week of orientation continues, with immersive programming focused on community building, academic preparation, and student support services.
August 17: First Day of Classes
The fall semester officially begins with the first day of instruction.
September 3–4: First-Year Assessments
Early assessments provide first-year students with feedback on their academic progress.
September 7: Labor Day Holiday (No Classes)
Campus closed in observance of Labor Day.
September 28 – October 9: Mid-Term Assessments
Midterm assessments take place to evaluate student performance and understanding across courses.
October 12: Fall Break (No Classes)
A scheduled break from classes allowing time for rest and reflection.
October 13: Mental Wellness Awareness Day (No Classes)
A day dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and student well-being.
November 24: Last Day of Classes
The final day of instruction for the fall semester.
November 30: Reading Day
A designated day for focused study and exam preparation.
December 1–10: Final Examinations
Students complete final exams for the fall semester.
December 11: Winter Commencement (9 a.m.)
A formal ceremony celebrating graduates who have completed their degree requirements in the fall term.