Helping You Stay Connected
This family calendar is designed to help families stay informed and engaged throughout the academic year. It includes key campus dates, helpful tips and conversation starters to support your student’s success—from move-in day to finals week.
Fall 2025
August
- Aug. 21 - Start of Welcome Week
- Aug. 21-22 - Move-in for new students
- Aug. 23-24 - Move-in for returning students
- Aug. 24 - Academic Convocation and Red Dragon Walk
- Aug. 25 - Classes Begin
- Aug. 25-29 - Add/Drop week
Ask About
- How will we communicate? How often?
Tips
- Review residence hall guidelines and check-in procedures before move-in.
- Join in Welcome Week activities.
September
- Sept. 1 - Student Club Fair
- Sept. 3 - Wellness Wednesday events begin
Ask About
- What class have you enjoyed more than expected?
- What has been the most exciting part about living in a new place?
- What is your favorite spot on campus?
Tips
- College offers a lot of free time in between classes, so discuss creating a routine. Time management skills will be crucial.
- Attend club fairs or other activities to get involved on campus.
October
- Oct. 1 - Academic advising throughout the month
- Oct. 4-5 - The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest
- Oct. 6-7 - Fall Break
- Oct. 17-19 - Family Weekend
Ask About
- What is your go-to study spot?
Tips
- Talk about developing habits that lead to success — attending class, introducing themselves to faculty, utilizing campus resources and faculty office hours and seeking help when needed.
November
- Early Nov. - Spring/Winter class registration
- Nov. 15 - Cortaca Jug (Cortland vs. Ithaca)
- Nov. 17 - Course withdrawal deadline
- Nov. 26-28 - Thanksgiving break*
* Note: Residence calls close Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 9 p.m. and open Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.
Ask About
- How did midterms go? Is there anything you would change going into finals?
Tips
- Discuss participating safely in Cortaca Jug festivities.
- Check Starfish for instructor feedback; ask for help if needed.
December
- Dec. 5 - Classes end
- Dec. 8 - Paws for Stress starts
- Dec. 8-12 - Finals Week
- Dec. 12 - Move out*
* Note: Residence halls close at 9 p.m.
Ask About
- What is one thing you learned this semester that you wish you knew back in August?
Tips
- Arriving back home, your student may have different habits, schedules or expectations. Be open to communicate.
Spring 2026
January
- Jan. 22-23 - Spring semester move-in for new students
- Jan. 24-25 - Spring semester move-in for returning students
- Jan. 26 - Classes begin
- Jan. 26-30 - Add/drop week
Ask About
- What is one goal you have going into the spring semester?
- What are you looking forward to?
Tips
- Your student may be ready to either change their major or declare one. Changing majors is part of the learning process. Encourage them to talk with their academic advisor.
February
- Feb. 1 - Start of Black History Month
- Feb. 1 - File your FAFSA*
* Note: Recommended filing date
Ask About
- What classes do you find interesting this semester?
- Have you reconnected with any friends from last semester?
- How are you staying healthy this winter?
Tips
- The first year of college involves a mix of challenges, but also opportunities for growth, fun and making new connections. Reconnect with friends, make new ones and learn from past experiences utilizing campus resources.
March
- March 1 - Academic advising throughout the month
- March 16-20 - Spring Break*
* Note: Residence halls close Friday, March 13 at 9 p.m. and open Sunday, March 22 at 1 p.m.
Ask About
- How do you plan to stay motivated for the second half of this semester?
- What events on campus are you looking forward to?
Tips
- Prepare for housing selection time. Discuss being flexible about where they would like to live and that its normal to be unsure about choosing a roommate.
April
- Early April - Room selection process
- Mid-April - Fall/Summer class registration
- April 15 - Course withdrawal deadline
Ask About
- With finals approaching, how do you unwind after a stressful day?
- What had been your favorite off- campus spot?
Tips
- Encourage your student to enjoy the nice weather while balancing studies. There are picnic tables and other beautiful spaces on campus for them to relax and study.
May
- May 8 - Classes end
- May 11-15 - Finals Week
- May 11-12 - Paws for Stress
- May 15 - Spring semester move-out
- May 15-16 - Commencement
Ask About
- What are you the most proud of this year?
- What have you learned about yourself?
Tips
- Cheer your student on and encourage them to finish the year strong! Celebrate everything they have accomplished.