The Emerson College academic calendar for 2026 operates on a semester system with Spring 2026 classes beginning Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and Fall 2026 classes starting Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The institution maintains distinct calendars for its Boston main campus, Emerson Los Angeles (ELA), Kasteel Well in the Netherlands, and Speech@Emerson online programs, with commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Wang Theatre.
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Understanding Emerson College’s Multi-Campus Calendar System
Emerson College publishes five separate academic calendars to accommodate its specialized campus locations and program structures. The Boston main campus at 120 Boylston Street in the Theatre District follows a traditional semester format, while ELA on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, Kasteel Well in the Netherlands, and Speech@Emerson online programs maintain customized schedules reflecting their unique operational requirements.
Students enrolled across multiple campuses must consult the specific calendar corresponding to their primary enrollment location, as registration dates, withdrawal deadlines, and break periods vary by up to 14 days between campuses.
Campus Calendar Differences
| Campus Location | Spring 2026 Start | Fall 2026 Start | Spring Break Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Main Campus | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| Emerson Los Angeles | Thursday, January 22, 2026 | Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | No designated break period |
| Kasteel Well | Monday, January 19, 2026 | Monday, September 14, 2026 | Tuesday, March 3 – Saturday, March 7, 2026 |
| Speech@Emerson | Monday, January 5, 2026 | Monday, August 31, 2026 | No designated break period |
Emerson College Academic Calendar Spring 2026
Spring 2026 classes at the Boston campus begin Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following new student move-in on Thursday, January 8, 2026, and orientation programming from Thursday, January 8, through Monday, January 12, 2026. Returning students select their move-in times between Friday, January 9, and Sunday, January 11, 2026, through their housing portal.
Key Spring 2026 Registration Deadlines
Students must complete all add/drop transactions by Monday, January 26, 2026. The waitlist system closes at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with automatic removal of all remaining waitlisted students. Course withdrawal with a “W” grade requires submission of completed paperwork to the Registrar’s Office by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The Intent to Graduate form deadline falls on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for students completing degree requirements in May 2026. Graduate students participating in the August 2026 ceremony but receiving May degrees must submit Intent to Graduate forms by Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Spring 2026 Academic Milestones
Key Spring 2026 Dates:
- Monday, January 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no classes scheduled)
- Monday, February 16, 2026: President’s Day (no classes scheduled)
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Monday schedule observed on this Wednesday
- Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Monday schedule observed
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Midterm grades due at 12:00 PM Eastern Time for undergraduate students earning a C- or below
- Monday, March 16, 2026: Summer 2026 registration opens at 9:00 AM Eastern Time
- Friday, April 24, 2026: Monday schedule observed
- Monday, April 20, 2026: Patriots’ Day (no classes; Massachusetts state holiday)
Spring Break 2026 Details
Residence halls close at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for Spring Break. The official break period spans Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13, 2026, with no classes scheduled. Residence halls reopen at 12:00 noon Eastern Time on Sunday, March 15, 2026, and classes resume at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday, March 16, 2026.
During Spring Break, the Fall 2026 course listings will be released to the web on Friday, March 13, 2026, enabling students to plan their upcoming semester registration.
Emerson College Spring 2026 Commencement Information
Commencement 2026 occurs over two days: Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Wang Theatre (Boch Center), located a three-minute walk from the main campus. The Wang Theatre sits at the intersection of Tremont and Stuart Streets in Boston’s Theatre District, accessible via the Green Line to Boylston Station.
Commencement Weekend Schedule
| Event | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Hooding Ceremonies | Friday, May 8, 2026 | Wang Theatre |
| School of Communication Diploma Ceremony | Saturday, May 9, 2026 (9:00 AM) | Wang Theatre |
| School of Film, Television, and Media Arts Diploma Ceremony | Saturday, May 9, 2026 (12:00 PM) | Wang Theatre |
| All-College Commencement | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Wang Theatre |
Spring 2026 classes conclude on Friday, May 1, 2026. Final grades for graduating students must be submitted by midnight on Monday, May 4, 2026, with all other final grades due at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Students can view final grades beginning Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Residence halls close at 12:00 noon Eastern Time on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for non-graduating students and at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, May 10, 2026, for students participating in graduation ceremonies.
Emerson College Academic Calendar Fall 2026
Fall 2026 classes at the Boston campus start Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following new student move-in on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, with scheduled time assignments. Transfer students participate in orientation programming from Wednesday, August 26, through Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Fall 2026 Registration Timeline
The Fall 2026 registration period for currently enrolled students runs from Monday, March 30, through Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Registration advising occurs between Monday, March 16, and Friday, March 27, 2026. Newly admitted graduate students (excluding Speech@Emerson and Film & Media Art students) register beginning at 1:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Critical Fall 2026 Deadlines
Students must add courses without instructor permission by Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The last day to add or drop a fall course falls on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Course withdrawal with a “W” grade requires submission to the Registrar’s Office by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Friday, November 20, 2026.
The Intent to Graduate form for December 2026 graduates must be filed by Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Fall 2026 Break Periods
Fall Break 2026: Friday, October 9, through Monday, October 12, 2026 (no classes scheduled). Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Thanksgiving Break 2026: Residence halls close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. No classes occur from Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, 2026. Residence halls reopen at 12:00 noon on Sunday, November 29, 2026, with classes resuming at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday, November 30, 2026.
Fall 2026 Seven-Week Session Structure
Emerson College divides certain courses into two seven-week sessions during fall semester:
- First Seven-Week Session: Classes conclude Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with grades due Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Second Seven-Week Session: Classes begin Thursday, October 22, 2026
This structure enables students to complete accelerated coursework or take sequential courses within a single semester.
Academic Calendar at Emerson College Summer 2026
Summer 2026 operates under a split-session format with Full Summer, Summer Session 1, and Summer Session 2 options. Full Summer courses run from Monday, May 18, through Friday, August 14, 2026, spanning 89 days of instruction.
Summer 2026 Session Structure
| Session Type | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Summer | Monday, May 18, 2026 | Friday, August 14, 2026 | 89 days |
| Summer Session 1 | Monday, May 18, 2026 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 45 days |
| Summer Session 2 | Thursday, July 2, 2026 | Friday, August 14, 2026 | 44 days |
Summer 2026 Key Dates
- Monday, May 25, 2026: Memorial Day (no classes)
- Friday, June 19, 2026: Juneteenth (no classes)
- Friday, July 3, 2026: Independence Day observed (no classes)
- Friday, August 7, 2026: Monday schedule observed
- Sunday, May 17, 2026: Last day to drop Summer Session 1 class for a full refund
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026: Last day to drop Summer Session 2 class for a full refund
Summer 2026 registration opens at 9:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday, March 16, 2026, for all students. Tuition and fee payments for Summer 2026 are due Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Emerson Los Angeles (ELA) Academic Calendar 2026
Emerson Los Angeles operates on a modified semester system with adjusted start dates and no formal spring break. The ELA campus at 5960 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood accommodates students in film, television, and media production programs requiring access to Los Angeles industry resources.
Spring 2026 ELA Calendar
Classes begin Thursday, January 22, 2026, following arrival and move-in on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and orientation programming on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The semester concludes on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with students departing Los Angeles on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
ELA Spring 2026 Deadlines:
- Last day to add/drop: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Course withdrawal begins: Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Withdrawal deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (by 2:00 PM Pacific Time)
- Midterm grades due: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (9:00 AM Pacific Time)
Fall 2026 ELA Calendar
Fall classes at Emerson Los Angeles start Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following arrival and move-in on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The semester ends Tuesday, December 8, 2026, with a make-up day for Monday classes on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, to compensate for Fall Break cancellations.
ELA Fall 2026 Break Periods:
- Fall Break: Friday, October 9, and Monday, October 12, 2026 (offices closed, no classes)
- Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, 2026 (no classes)
Final grades for Fall 2026 ELA courses are due at 9:00 AM Pacific Time on Friday, December 18, 2026.
Kasteel Well Academic Calendar 2026
Kasteel Well, Emerson’s 14th-century castle campus in Well, Netherlands, maintains a European academic structure with mandatory excursions integrated into the curriculum. Students experience a distinct cultural immersion program unavailable at domestic campuses.
Spring 2026 Kasteel Well Schedule
Students depart Boston on Thursday, January 15, 2026, arriving at Kasteel Well on Friday, January 16, 2026, for mandatory orientation. Classes begin Monday, January 19, 2026, following a required orientation weekend.
Mandatory Excursions Spring 2026:
- Amsterdam Excursion: Departure Friday, January 23, 2026; three-day excursion with student-arranged return transportation
- Madrid Excursion: Departure Friday, February 27, 2026; four-day excursion ending Monday, March 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM
- Independent Travel Break: Tuesday, March 3, through Saturday, March 7, 2026; students arrange their own transportation back to the castle
Classes resume Monday, March 9, 2026, following the Independent Travel Break. Mid-term exams occur Monday, February 23, through Thursday, February 26, 2026. The final day of classes falls on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with final exams Saturday, April 11, through Monday, April 13, 2026.
Students depart Kasteel Well for Boston on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, following a room inventory and farewell celebration on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Fall 2026 Kasteel Well Schedule
Fall semester at Kasteel Well begins Monday, September 14, 2026, with student departure from Boston on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Mandatory orientation occurs Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Mandatory Excursions Fall 2026:
- Amsterdam Excursion: Departure Friday, September 18, 2026; three-day excursion
- Madrid Excursion: Departure Friday, October 23, 2026; four-day excursion ending Monday, October 26, 2026
- Independent Travel Break: Tuesday, October 27, through Saturday, October 31, 2026
Kasteel Well campus closes from Friday, October 23, through Friday, October 30, 2026, for the mandatory excursion and travel break, reopening at 8:00 AM Central European Time on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Final classes conclude Thursday, December 3, 2026, with final exams Saturday, December 5, through Monday, December 7, 2026. Students depart for Boston on Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
Speech@Emerson 2026-2027 Academic Calendar
Speech@Emerson, the online Master of Science in Communication Disorders program, operates on a year-round seven-week session model distinct from traditional semester structures. The program enables working professionals to complete graduate coursework through asynchronous online learning with required in-person immersion events.
Spring 2026 Speech@Emerson Calendar
The Spring 2026 term begins Monday, January 5, 2026, with students receiving Digital Campus (LMS) access beginning Monday, December 22, 2025. The last day to add or drop courses falls on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the course withdrawal period beginning Monday, January 12, 2026.
Spring 2026 Seven-Week Sessions:
- First Seven-Week Session: Ends Sunday, February 22, 2026; grades due Monday, March 2, 2026
- Second Seven-Week Session: Begins Monday, February 23, 2026
The last day of classes occurs Sunday, April 19, 2026, with final grades due Thursday, April 23, 2026. Required Immersion Events take place Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18, 2026, providing in-person clinical training and professional development.
Fall 2026 Speech@Emerson Calendar
Fall 2026 classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026, following Digital Campus access on Monday, August 17, 2026. The term concludes Sunday, December 13, 2026, with final grades due Thursday, December 17, 2026.
Fall 2026 Registration Dates:
- Current students: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (1:00 PM Eastern Time)
- New students: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (1:00 PM Eastern Time)
Summer 2026 Speech@Emerson Calendar
Summer 2026 classes run from Monday, May 4, through Sunday, August 16, 2026, with required Immersion Events on Thursday, August 13, through Saturday, August 15, 2026. Students receive Digital Campus access beginning Monday, April 20, 2026.
Important Academic Policies Across All Emerson College Calendars
Tuition Payment Deadlines
| Semester | Payment Due Date |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Monday, December 15, 2025 |
| Summer 2026 | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Friday, July 31, 2026 (Boston); Monday, August 3, 2026 (ELA) |
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Students withdrawing from the College for a full semester must file a Withdrawal or Leave of Absence with the Registrar’s Office by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on specified deadlines to receive tuition refunds. Individual course withdrawals result in a “W” grade without tuition refund after the add/drop periods conclude.
Full Withdrawal Deadlines Spring 2026:
- Boston campus: Monday, January 12, 2026
- ELA Los Angeles: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Kasteel Well: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Incomplete Grade Resolution
Incomplete grades from previous semesters automatically revert to default follow-up grades if not resolved by specific deadlines:
- Fall 2025 incompletes: Revert Monday, March 2, 2026
- Spring 2026 incompletes: Revert Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Summer Session 1 incompletes: Revert Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- Summer Session 2 and Full Summer incompletes: Revert Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Monday Schedule Observations
Emerson College occasionally observes Monday class schedules on Wednesdays to maintain instructional balance. During Spring 2026, Monday schedules occur on:
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Friday, April 24, 2026
During Fall 2026, the Monday schedule falls on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and the Wednesday schedule occurs on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Master’s Thesis and Project Deadlines for 2026
Graduate students completing Master’s theses or projects must adhere to strict submission deadlines coordinated with degree conferral dates.
Spring 2026 May Graduates:
- Thesis/project due to Committee Chairs: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Final submission to Graduate Studies Office: Friday, May 1, 2026
Summer 2026 August Graduates:
- Thesis/project due to Committee Chairs: Friday, July 24, 2026
- Final submission to Graduate Studies Office: Friday, August 14, 2026
Fall 2026 December Graduates:
- Thesis/project due to Committee Chairs: Friday, November 20, 2026
- Final submission to Graduate Studies Office: Thursday, December 17, 2026
Registration Periods and Academic Planning
Fall 2026 Registration Windows
Currently enrolled students register for Fall 2026 between Monday, March 30, and Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with specific registration dates assigned based on class standing and credit accumulation. Registration advising occurs Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, 2026.
Registration closes Thursday, April 9, 2026, with eligible students permitted to register for overload courses beginning Friday, April 10, 2026.
Spring 2027 Registration Windows
Fall 2026 students register for Spring 2027 between Thursday, October 5, and Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Registration advising runs Monday, October 26, through Friday, November 6, 2026. Registration closes Wednesday, November 18, 2026, with overload registration beginning Thursday, November 19, 2026.
Internship Registration
Students registering for Boston internships without prior Career Development Center approval must complete registration by:
- Spring 2026: Monday, January 12, 2026
- Fall 2026: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Family and Special Events Calendar 2026
Picture Yourself at Emerson Events
These prospective student visit days occur on:
- Spring: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Spring: Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Transfer: Friday, May 15, 2026
Family and Friends Weekend
Family and Friends Weekend 2026 takes place Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, 2026, enabling families to experience campus life during mid-semester.
Parent and Family Orientation
New student families participate in Parent and Family Orientation on Thursday, August 27, 2026, concurrent with New Graduate Student Orientation.
Writing for Film & TV Program Residency Dates
The Writing for Film & TV program maintains unique residency requirements with distinct calendar dates:
Spring 2026 LA Residency:
- Students arrive: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Residency dates: Monday, January 5, through Friday, January 9, 2026
- Full refund withdrawal deadline: Friday, January 2, 2026
Fall 2026 Boston Residency:
- Students arrive: Monday, August 24, 2026
- Residency dates: Tuesday, August 25, through Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Full refund withdrawal deadline: Friday, August 21, 2026
Make-Up Days and Weather Contingencies
Emerson College designates specific dates as official make-up days for potential college closures due to inclement weather or facility emergencies.
Spring 2026 Make-Up Day: Thursday, April 16, 2026
No classes occur on this date unless the College activates the make-up day to compensate for earlier closures. The College notifies the community via official email if make-up days become necessary.
Course Evaluation Windows
Student course evaluations open and close according to predetermined schedules:
Spring 2026 Evaluations
- First seven-week session: Opens Wednesday, March 4, 2026; closes Monday, March 9, 2026
- Second seven-week session and full-term courses: Opens Monday, April 13, 2026; closes Monday, April 27, 2026
Fall 2026 Evaluations
- First seven-week session: Opens Monday, October 12, 2026; closes Monday, November 2, 2026
- Second seven-week session and full-term courses: Opens Monday, December 7, 2026; closes Monday, December 21, 2026
Directed Study Proposal Deadlines
Students proposing directed study courses must submit proposals to Department Chairs by specific deadlines:
- Spring directed studies: Friday, December 17, 2026
- Summer and Fall directed studies: Friday, May 1, 2026
Office of the Registrar Contact Information
The Registrar’s Office, located at 120 Boylston Street, processes all official academic paperwork, including add/drop forms, course withdrawals, Intent to Graduate forms, and transcript requests. Students can email registrar@emerson.edu or visit spacebook.emerson.edu for classroom reservations.
Understanding the Emerson College Academic Year Structure
Emerson College operates on a two-semester academic year with optional summer enrollment. Each fall and spring semester spans approximately 15 weeks of instruction plus one week for final examinations. This structure aligns with most American colleges and universities while accommodating specialized program needs through flexible seven-week session options.
The 2025-2026 academic year begins with Fall 2025 classes and concludes with Summer 2026 sessions, transitioning into the 2026-2027 academic year starting Fall 2026. Students typically complete 120-128 credit hours over four years for bachelor’s degrees, with semester loads ranging from 12-18 credits.
Holiday Closures and Administrative Office Hours
Emerson College observes federal and Massachusetts state holidays when administrative offices close and no classes meet:
2026 Observed Holidays
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Patriot’s Day (Massachusetts only): Monday, April 20, 2026
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026
- Juneteenth: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day: Friday, July 3, 2026 (observed)
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Monday, October 12, 2026
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Thanksgiving: Thursday-Friday, November 26-27, 2026
Classes remain in session on Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Veterans Day at most Emerson campuses, though administrative offices close.
Grade Submission and Viewing Timelines
Faculty submit final grades according to strict deadlines, ensuring timely degree conferral and academic standing determination.
Spring 2026 Grade Deadlines:
- Graduating students: Monday, May 4, 2026 (by midnight)
- All other students: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (12:00 PM Eastern Time)
- Students view grades: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Fall 2026 Grade Deadlines:
- All students: Monday, December 21, 2026 (12:00 PM Eastern Time)
Midterm grades for undergraduate students earning C- or below are due at 12:00 PM Eastern Time on specified dates, enabling early intervention for students experiencing academic difficulty.
Distinguishing Emerson College from Similar Institutions
Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, should not be confused with Emerson University in Multan, Pakistan, a completely separate public sector institution, or Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The college was founded in 1880 by Charles Wesley Emerson (an orator and educator), not the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, who attended Harvard College.
Emerson College maintains the official domain emerson.edu and operates as a private specialized college focusing exclusively on communication, journalism, marketing, theater, film, television, and performing arts. The institution’s unique urban campus integration within Boston’s Theatre District distinguishes it from suburban liberal arts colleges.
Academic Calendar Access and Official Sources
Students access the official Emerson College academic calendar at emerson.edu/academics/academic-calendars where the institution publishes verified dates for all campuses and programs. The Registrar’s Office maintains calendar accuracy and communicates changes through official Emerson.edu email addresses.
Third-party calendar aggregators may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Students should verify all dates through official Emerson College sources before making travel arrangements, housing commitments, or work schedule accommodations.
Planning Your 2026 Academic Year at Emerson College
Students successfully navigating the Emerson College academic calendar for 2026 should mark critical deadlines, including add/drop periods, withdrawal dates, Intent to Graduate submissions, and tuition payment due dates. Creating a personal academic timeline incorporating registration windows, break periods, and campus-specific variations prevents missed deadlines and academic complications.
International students studying at Kasteel Well must account for visa requirements, mandatory excursion travel, and coordinated Boston departure dates. Students enrolled at Emerson Los Angeles should note the accelerated semester schedule with earlier start and end dates compared to the Boston campus.
The multi-campus structure requires careful attention to location-specific calendars, as synchronization does not occur across all Emerson College facilities. Students participating in study abroad programs or campus transfers during 2026 must reconcile overlapping academic calendars to maintain continuous enrollment and timely degree completion.
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