The Hunter College academic calendar for 2026 operates on a semester system with Spring 2026 classes beginning Monday, January 26, 2026, and Fall 2026 starting Friday, August 28, 2026.
This official calendar serves approximately 23,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs at Hunter College, a senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system located at 695 Park Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Table of Contents
Hunter College’s Academic Structure
Hunter College follows the CUNY-standard semester model with distinct academic periods throughout 2026. The institution divides the academic year into Fall and Spring semesters, supplemented by Winter and Summer sessions. Founded in 1870, Hunter operates as the largest senior college in the CUNY system by enrollment, serving students across three Manhattan campuses: the main 68th Street Campus, Brookdale Campus, and East Harlem Campus.
The academic calendar at Hunter College differs significantly from that of Hunter College Campus Schools (the K-12 laboratory schools at 71 East 94th Street, accessible at hunterschools.org). Students seeking college-level academic dates must reference hunter.cuny.edu rather than the elementary and high school calendar maintained by the Campus Schools division.
Key Academic Calendar Components
Registration periods, refund deadlines, and withdrawal dates form the structural framework of Hunter’s academic calendar. The college implements a “7-Day Rule” at semester start, during which students may only add or swap courses. Financial aid certification occurs on specific dates that determine enrollment status for aid disbursement. The Office of the Registrar, located in Room 217 North Building (contact: 212-772-4500), maintains official oversight of all calendar dates.
Spring 2026 Semester: Complete Timeline
Registration & Shopping Cart Dates
Spring 2026 registration opens with the shopping cart in Schedule Builder on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Priority registration begins Monday, October 27, 2025, allowing specific student groups early access based on enrollment status. The registration sequence follows this pattern:
Registration Timeline for Spring 2026:
| Student Category | Registration Start Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Groups | Monday, October 27, 2025 |
| Continuing Graduate & Doctoral | Tuesday, October 28, 2025 |
| Undergraduate Degree-Seeking | Wednesday, October 29, 2025 |
| Readmit & Second Degree-Seeking | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
| Freshmen & New Transfers | Monday, November 3, 2025 |
| Undergraduate & Graduate Non-Degree | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
The ePermit system closes Friday, January 16, 2026, preventing students from registering for courses at other CUNY campuses after this date. The waitlist removal occurs Sunday, January 21, 2026, converting waitlisted students to enrolled status or removing them from course rosters.
Semester Start & Add/Drop Period
Spring 2026 classes begin Monday, January 26, 2026, initiating the 7-Day Rule period. During this seven-day window (January 26 through February 1), students may only add courses or swap sections—full drops are not permitted under the 7-Day Rule. Late registration and program change fees apply starting the first day of classes.
The final day to add a class or change course sections is Sunday, February 1, 2026. After this date, students must obtain departmental permission to register late, with this permission period ending Friday, February 6, 2026.
Tuition Refund Schedule
Hunter College implements a graduated refund structure based on withdrawal timing:
| Refund Percentage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 100% | Sunday, January 25, 2026 (before classes begin) |
| 75% | Sunday, February 1, 2026 |
| 50% | Sunday, February 8, 2026 |
| 25% | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| 0% | After Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
Students who drop courses between February 2 and February 15, 2026, receive a “WD” (Withdraw/Drop) grade on their internal record. This grade does not appear on official transcripts and does not affect GPA calculations.
Spring 2026 College Closures & Modified Schedules
Hunter College observes the following closures during Spring 2026:
- Thursday, February 12, 2026: College closed
- Monday, February 16, 2026: Presidents Day (college closed)
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026: No classes scheduled (administrative day)
- Friday, March 20, 2026: No classes scheduled
- Wednesday, April 1 through Thursday, April 9, 2026: Spring Recess (no classes)
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026: Classes follow a Thursday schedule (conversion day)
- Monday, May 25, 2026: Memorial Day (college closed)
The conversion day on April 21, 2026, requires students enrolled in Thursday classes to attend on Tuesday. This scheduling adjustment compensates for Thursday holidays throughout the semester.
Major/Minor Declaration & Graduation Filing
Sunday, February 15, 2026, serves as the census date and final deadline for declaring a major or minor for Spring 2026. This date also marks the end of the Spring 2026 graduation filing period, which opens Thursday, October 16, 2025. Students completing all coursework during Spring 2026 must apply for graduation through CUNYfirst before February 15, 2026.
The Summer 2026 graduation filing period begins Monday, February 16, 2026, and ends Monday, June 15, 2026, allowing students finishing coursework in Summer 2026 to file during this extended window.
Pass/No Credit Grading Option
The Pass/No Credit (P/NC) grade request period opens Monday, March 16, 2026, and closes Wednesday, April 1, 2026. This 17-day window allows students to convert traditional letter-graded courses to pass/no credit grading, subject to program and departmental policies. Students should consult academic advisors before exercising this option, as P/NC grades affect degree requirements differently across programs.
Withdrawal Period & Final Deadlines
The official withdrawal period begins Monday, February 16, 2026, after the 25% refund deadline. Students withdrawing during this period receive a “W” grade on their official transcript. The “W” grade does not affect GPA but indicates the student attended the course before withdrawing.
The withdrawal period ends Monday, April 13, 2026, after which students cannot officially withdraw from courses. The Return to Title IV (R2T4) 60% date—the point at which students have completed 60% of the semester for federal aid purposes—occurs Sunday, April 12, 2026. Students withdrawing after this date may not owe repayment of federal aid.
Spring 2026 Finals & Semester Conclusion
Final examinations run Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Most classes end on Friday, May 15, 2026, except Tuesday classes, which hold their final meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Grade rosters become available to faculty on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The final grade submission deadline for faculty is Thursday, May 28, 2026. Spring 2026 degree conferral—the official date degrees are awarded—occurs Monday, June 1, 2026, for students who completed all requirements.
Winter 2026 Session: Intensive Intersession Courses
Winter 2026 classes begin Friday, January 2, 2026, offering compressed courses between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. This intensive session allows students to complete courses in three weeks, with the session ending Friday, January 23, 2026.
Winter Session Calendar Structure
Registration for Winter 2026 opens simultaneously with Spring 2026 registration in October 2025:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Shopping Cart Opens | Tuesday, October 14, 2025 |
| Priority Registration | Monday, October 27, 2025 |
| Non-Degree Student Registration | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| ePermit Closes | Friday, December 26, 2025 |
| Classes Begin | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Last Day to Add | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Last Day for 50% Refund | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
| Session Ends | Friday, January 23, 2026 |
The compressed three-week format requires intensive daily attendance, with courses meeting multiple times per week to complete full semester content.
Summer 2026 Sessions: Multiple Start Dates
Summer 2026 encompasses multiple session lengths beginning Thursday, May 28, 2026, and concluding Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The college offers five distinct session formats: 5-Week (three separate sessions), 6-Week, 7-Week, 8-Week, and 11-Week sessions. This structure allows students flexibility in scheduling summer coursework.
Summer 2026 Registration Timeline
The shopping cart for Summer 2026 opens Tuesday, March 3, 2026:
| Registration Phase | Start Date |
|---|---|
| Shopping Cart Opens | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| Priority Groups | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 |
| Graduate, Undergraduate, Second Degree | Thursday, March 12, 2026 |
| Readmitted & Non-Degree | Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| ePermit Opens | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
The ePermit system closes at different times for different session lengths:
- 5-Week (1st), 6-Week, 8-Week, 11-Week: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- 5-Week (2nd), 5-Week (3rd), 7-Week: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Summer Session Length Options
Summer Session 1 (5 Weeks): May 28 – July 1, 2026
The first five-week session begins Thursday, May 28, 2026 (Memorial Day is May 25, 2026). Students must complete course selection by Friday, May 29, 2026 (last day to add or change sections). The 50% refund deadline is Sunday, May 31, 2026. The withdrawal period begins Saturday, June 6, 2026, and ends Sunday, June 21, 2026. Pass/No Credit opt-in runs Thursday, June 11 through Monday, June 22, 2026. College closure: Friday, June 19, 2026 (Juneteenth observance).
Summer Session 1 (6 Weeks): May 28 – July 8, 2026
The six-week session follows identical start procedures as the five-week session but extends through Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The withdrawal period ends Friday, June 26, 2026. Final grade rosters are due Tuesday, July 14, 2026. College closures: Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Summer Session 1 (8 Weeks): May 28 – July 22, 2026
This eight-week session provides extended time for complex coursework. The last day to add or change sections is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. The withdrawal period begins Thursday, June 11, 2026, and ends Thursday, July 9, 2026. Final grade submission deadline: Monday, July 27, 2026.
Summer Session 1 (11 Weeks): May 28 – August 12, 2026
The longest summer session spans nearly three months. The last day to add or change sections is Thursday, June 4, 2026. The 25% refund deadline is Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The withdrawal period begins Thursday, June 18, 2026, and ends Thursday, July 30, 2026. Final grades are due Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Summer Session 2 (5 Weeks): July 14 – August 17, 2026
This second five-week session begins Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The last day to add courses is Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The 50% refund deadline is Friday, July 17, 2026. Withdrawal period: Wednesday, July 22, through Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Final grades due Friday, August 21, 2026.
Summer Session 2 (7 Weeks): July 2 – August 18, 2026
Starting Thursday, July 2, 2026, this session extends through Tuesday, August 18, 2026. College closures July 3-4, 2026, occur during the first week. The last day to add courses is Monday, July 6, 2026. Withdrawal period: Thursday, July 16, through Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Summer Session 3 (5 Weeks): July 16 – August 19, 2026
The final summer session begins Thursday, July 16, 2026. Students must complete adds by Friday, July 17, 2026. The withdrawal period runs from Friday, July 24, through Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Final grades are due Thursday, August 21, 2026.
Summer 2026 degree conferral occurs on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, for students completing degree requirements during any summer session.
Hunter College Academic Calendar Fall 2026
Fall 2026 classes begin Friday, August 28, 2026, marking the start of the traditional academic year. This semester extends through the December holidays, concluding Monday, December 28, 2026, with final grade submissions.
Fall 2026 Registration Process
The shopping cart for Fall 2026 opens Tuesday, April 7, 2026:
| Student Category | Registration Start Date |
|---|---|
| Priority Groups | Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| Continuing Doctoral & Graduate | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 |
| Undergraduate Degree-Seeking | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
| Second Degree & Readmitted | Thursday, April 23, 2026 |
| Freshmen & New Transfers | Monday, April 27, 2026 |
| New Graduate & Doctoral | Wednesday, May 13, 2026 |
| Undergraduate & Graduate Non-Degree | Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
The ePermit system opens Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and closes Friday, August 21, 2026. The waitlist removal date is Monday, August 24, 2026.
Fall 2026 Add/Drop & Refund Timeline
The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is Thursday, August 27, 2026 (one day before classes begin). The 7-Day Rule applies August 28 through September 3, 2026.
Fall 2026 Refund Schedule:
| Refund Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 100% | Thursday, August 27, 2026 |
| 75% | Thursday, September 3, 2026 |
| 50% | Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| 25% | Thursday, September 17, 2026 |
The last day to add a class or change sections is Thursday, September 3, 2026. This date also serves as the Financial Aid Certification date and Senior Auditor registration day. Late registration with departmental permission runs Friday, September 4, through Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Fall 2026 College Closures & Modified Days
Hunter College observes these Fall 2026 closures:
- Monday, September 7, 2026: Labor Day (college closed)
- Friday through Sunday, September 11-13, 2026: No classes scheduled (Rosh Hashanah observance period)
- Monday, September 21, 2026: No classes scheduled (Yom Kippur observance)
- Sunday, November 8, 2026: No classes scheduled
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026: No classes scheduled (Thanksgiving break begins)
- Thursday through Friday, November 26-27, 2026: Thanksgiving (college closed)
- Saturday, November 28, 2026: No classes scheduled
- Thursday through Friday, December 24-25, 2026: Christmas (college closed)
- Thursday, December 31, 2026: New Year’s Eve (college closed)
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, follows a Monday schedule (conversion day to compensate for Monday, October 12, Columbus Day closure).
Fall 2026 Academic Milestones
Thursday, September 17, 2026, serves as the census date and final deadline for declaring a major or minor for Fall 2026. Verification of Enrollment (VOE) rosters are due from faculty on this date to assign “WN” (Withdrawn/Never Attended) grades to students who never attended classes.
The Fall 2026 graduation filing period runs Tuesday, June 16, 2026, through Thursday, October 15, 2026. Students expecting to complete degree requirements in Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 must file graduation applications during this window through CUNYfirst.
The Pass/No Credit grade request period opens Monday, October 19, 2026, and closes Wednesday, November 4, 2026, providing a 17-day window for grade option changes.
Fall 2026 Finals & Grade Submission
Classes end Monday, December 14, 2026, before final examinations. Grade rosters become available to faculty on December 14. Final examinations run Tuesday, December 15, 2026, through Monday, December 21, 2026.
Faculty must submit final grades by Monday, December 28, 2026. The Fall 2026 semester officially concludes with this grade submission deadline.
Critical Administrative Systems for Hunter College Students
CUNYfirst: Registration & Records Platform
CUNYfirst serves as the primary system for course registration, grade viewing, and degree audit at Hunter College. Students access CUNYfirst through their CUNY Login credentials to register for courses during designated windows, view real-time grade posting, and track degree progress. The system integrates with Schedule Builder for course planning and DegreeWorks for graduation requirement tracking.
Schedule Builder: Course Planning Tool
Schedule Builder allows students to create their academic schedule before registration opens. The “shopping cart” functionality enables students to select desired courses, view scheduling conflicts, and prepare multiple schedule scenarios. When registration opens, students can register directly from their saved shopping carts, streamlining the enrollment process during competitive registration periods.
DegreeWorks: Degree Audit System
DegreeWorks provides automated degree audits showing completed requirements and outstanding coursework. Students use this system to verify major/minor requirements, track general education completion, and plan remaining courses before graduation. The system updates in real-time as courses are completed and grades are posted.
Hunter College vs. CUNY System Calendar Alignment
Hunter College follows the standard CUNY academic calendar with minor campus-specific variations. All CUNY senior colleges (Baruch College, City College, Queens College, Brooklyn College, and John Jay College) observe identical semester start dates, major deadlines, and holiday closures. Campus-specific differences appear in:
- Conversion days (days when classes follow alternate schedules)
- Program-specific calendars for graduate programs
- Bell schedules (class meeting times)
- Campus closure decisions during severe weather events
The unified CUNY calendar structure allows students to use ePermits to take courses at other CUNY campuses, with registration deadlines applying system-wide.
Program-Specific Calendar Considerations
Graduate Program Variations
Graduate programs at Hunter College may follow modified calendars based on program structure. The School of Nursing, Graduate School of Education, and certain doctoral programs implement cohort-based scheduling with intensive weekend or evening formats. Graduate students should consult program-specific handbooks for dates that differ from the undergraduate calendar.
Silberman School of Social Work Calendar
The Silberman School of Social Work maintains a distinct practicum calendar for MSW students. Practicum (fieldwork) requirements include 450 hours per academic year, with specific evaluation deadlines not aligned with general college dates. Social work students must track both the college academic calendar and program-specific practicum milestones.
Continuing Education & Professional Development
Hunter College’s Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development operates separate session calendars for non-degree courses, certificate programs, and professional development offerings. These courses may begin and end on dates different from standard semester schedules, with registration opening year-round.
Religious & Cultural Holiday Accommodations
Hunter College maintains a policy prohibiting academic penalties for religious observance absences. New York State Education Law Section 224-a protects students who miss classes, examinations, or assignments due to religious observance. The CUNY Religious and Ethnic Holiday Calendar lists observances from multiple faith traditions, helping faculty and students identify potential schedule conflicts.
Major religious holidays during 2026 affecting Hunter students include:
- Jewish High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah (evening of September 11 through evening of September 13, 2026), Yom Kippur (evening of September 20 through evening of September 21, 2026)
- Islamic observances: Ramadan (evening of February 17 through evening of March 18, 2026), Eid al-Fitr (evening of March 19 through evening of March 20, 2026)
- Hindu festivals: Holi (Tuesday, March 3, 2026), Diwali (Sunday, November 8, 2026)
- Christian observances: Easter (Sunday, April 5, 2026), Christmas (Friday, December 25, 2026)
Students requiring accommodations should communicate with instructors at the semester’s beginning to arrange alternative assessment dates.
Verification of Enrollment & Financial Aid Dates
Verification of Enrollment (VOE) rosters become available to faculty on specific dates to confirm student attendance. Faculty must verify attendance through VOE to assign “WN” grades to students who never attended, preventing financial aid disbursement for non-attended courses.
VOE Roster Deadlines:
| Semester | VOE Available | VOE Due |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | Thursday, September 17, 2026 |
Financial Aid Certification occurs on the last day to add courses (February 1, 2026, for Spring; September 3, 2026, for Fall). Enrollment status on this date determines financial aid disbursement amounts, with full-time status requiring 12+ credits for undergraduates and 9+ credits for most graduate programs.
Grade Assignment Timeline & Academic Standing
Grade rosters become available to faculty on the last day of classes (May 15, 2026, for Spring; December 14, 2026, for Fall). Faculty receive approximately two weeks to submit final grades, with deadlines strictly enforced to enable timely degree conferral.
Grade Types & Academic Impact:
| Grade Code | Meaning | Transcript Appearance | GPA Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| A, B, C, D, F | Letter grades | Appears | Yes |
| P (Pass) | Passing work | Appears | No |
| NC (No Credit) | Not passing | Appears | No |
| W (Withdrawal) | Official withdrawal | Appears | No |
| WD (Withdraw/Drop) | Early drop | Does not appear | No |
| WN (Withdrawn/Never Attended) | Never attended | Does not appear | No |
| WA (Withdrawn/Administrative) | Immunization non-compliance | Does not appear | No |
| I (Incomplete) | Coursework incomplete | Appears | No (until resolved) |
WA grades for immunization non-compliance are assigned Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (Spring) and Sunday, September 27, 2026 (Fall) for students not meeting New York State immunization requirements.
Degree Conferral & Graduation Ceremonies
Degree conferral represents the official date degrees are awarded, distinct from commencement ceremonies. Students completing requirements must file graduation applications through CUNYfirst during designated filing periods:
2026 Degree Conferral Dates:
| Completion Period | Filing Period | Conferral Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | October 16, 2025 – February 15, 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | February 16, 2026 – June 15, 2026 | September 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 / Winter 2027 | June 16, 2026 – October 15, 2026 | TBA (Spring 2027) |
Commencement ceremonies typically occur in May (Spring graduates) and December (Fall graduates), with specific dates announced separately from the academic calendar. Graduation application fees apply, with late applications subject to additional fees and potential delay of degree conferral.
R2T4 60% Date & Federal Aid Implications
The Return to Title IV (R2T4) 60% date marks the point at which students have earned 60% of federal aid for the term. Students withdrawing before this date may owe repayment of federal grants and loans, calculated based on the percentage of the term completed.
R2T4 60% Dates for 2026:
- Spring 2026: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Fall 2026: Date to be announced (typically early November)
The federal government requires colleges to return unearned aid for students who withdraw before the 60% point, with the student potentially owing repayment to the college or directly to the federal government.
Campus Closure Policies & Weather Alerts
Hunter College follows CUNY-wide decisions for weather-related closures. Evening classes (starting 4:35 PM or later) may be canceled separately from daytime classes during severe weather events. Students should register for CUNYAlert (emergency notification system) to receive real-time closure announcements via text message and email.
January 27, 2026, exemplifies closure communication: The college posted weather alerts regarding potential winter storm impacts, demonstrating the real-time nature of closure decisions. Official closure announcements appear on hunter.cuny.edu homepage, CUNY Alert, and local news media.
Key Differences: Hunter College vs. Hunter College Campus Schools
Hunter College Campus Schools operate entirely separate academic calendars from Hunter College undergraduate and graduate programs. The Campus Schools consist of:
- Hunter College Elementary School (grades K-6, located at 71 East 94th Street)
- Hunter College High School (grades 7-12, same location)
These K-12 institutions follow New York City Department of Education guidelines, with school years running September through June, distinct from college semester schedules. The Campus Schools maintain independent administration, though historically connected to Hunter College’s mission as laboratory schools.
Students seeking Hunter College academic calendar information should access hunter.cuny.edu, not hunterschools.org (the Campus Schools website).
Contact Information for Calendar Questions
Office of the Registrar (Room 217 North Building, 212-772-4500) provides official calendar information, registration guidance, and academic record services. Office hours and specific contact information appear on the Hunter College website.
Academic advisors in individual departments assist with program-specific calendar questions, major/minor declaration deadlines, and graduation planning. Students should identify their assigned advisor through CUNYfirst or department offices.
Hunter College Academic Calendar 2026 Summary Table
This consolidated view presents all major Hunter College academic calendar dates for 2026:
| Event | Spring 2026 | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Classes Begin | Monday, January 26 | Friday, August 28 |
| Last Day to Add | Sunday, February 1 | Thursday, September 3 |
| Last Day for 100% Refund | Sunday, January 25 | Thursday, August 27 |
| Last Day for 25% Refund | Sunday, February 15 | Thursday, September 17 |
| Census Date | Sunday, February 15 | Thursday, September 17 |
| Spring/Fall Recess | April 1-9 | Thanksgiving: November 25-28 |
| Withdrawal Period Ends | Monday, April 13 | TBA (November) |
| Last Day of Classes | Friday, May 15 | Monday, December 14 |
| Final Exams | May 16-26 | December 15-21 |
| Grade Submission Deadline | Thursday, May 28 | Monday, December 28 |
| Degree Conferral | Monday, June 1 | TBA (Spring 2027) |
Hunter College’s academic calendar provides the structural framework for 23,000 students navigating undergraduate and graduate education in New York City. Understanding registration windows, refund deadlines, withdrawal periods, and graduation filing requirements enables students to plan effectively across multiple semesters and summer sessions throughout 2026.
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