The Ultimate 2025-2026 Rollins College Academic Calendar: 12 Critical Dates Every Student Must Know

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Planning your academic journey at Rollins College requires precision, and the 2025-2026 academic calendar is the essential roadmap for every student. As of December 26, 2025, the official schedule is fully published, providing critical dates for the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), the Hamilton Holt School, and the Crummer Graduate School of Business. Missing a key deadline, especially for registration or course withdrawal, can have significant consequences for your transcript and financial standing, making a detailed understanding of this calendar non-negotiable.

This comprehensive guide compiles the most recent and crucial dates, ensuring you have the freshest information directly from the Rollins College Registrar's Office. Whether you are a first-year student, a returning undergraduate, or a graduate student in the Hamilton Holt program, knowing these dates will empower you to manage your course load, secure financial aid, and prepare for major milestones like commencement in Winter Park, Florida.

The 2025-2026 Academic Year: Key Dates for CLA and Hamilton Holt Students

The academic year at Rollins College is structured to accommodate the distinct needs of its various programs, primarily the traditional College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and the non-traditional Hamilton Holt School. While many dates align, pay close attention to the program-specific details, particularly for registration and final exams.

Fall 2025 Semester: The Critical Launch Dates

The Fall 2025 semester is packed with essential deadlines that set the tone for the entire academic year. From the first day of class to the final opportunity to withdraw, mark these dates carefully in your planner.

  • First Day of Class (All Programs): Monday, August 25, 2025.
  • Elective Drop/Add Period Ends: Friday, September 5, 2025 (5:00 p.m.). This is the absolute last day to adjust your schedule without financial penalty or transcript notation for the majority of courses.
  • Labor Day Holiday (No Classes): Monday, September 1, 2025.
  • Last Day to Drop a Course without Transcript Notation: Monday, September 8, 2025. This is a crucial deadline for CLA students to decide if a course is a good fit.
  • Fall Break: Saturday, October 11, through Tuesday, October 14, 2025. A much-needed mid-semester pause for CLA students.
  • Spring 2026 Online Registration Period Begins (Undergraduate): Thursday, October 30, 2025. Securing your spot in high-demand courses starts here.
  • Last Day to Withdraw from a Course ('W' Deadline): Friday, November 7, 2025. This is the final day to withdraw from a course and receive a 'W' on your transcript, avoiding a failing grade.
  • Thanksgiving Break (No Classes): Wednesday, November 26, through Sunday, November 30, 2025.
  • CLA Final Exams: December 8–9, 2025. This two-day window wraps up the CLA fall term.

For Hamilton Holt School students, the structure may involve different session lengths (first half, second half, full term), so always consult the specific Holt Academic Calendar for nuances in withdrawal and drop deadlines.

Spring 2026 Semester: Planning Ahead

The Spring 2026 semester begins shortly after the New Year, and preparations—especially for registration—start well before the fall semester ends. The early registration period is a key entity for a successful spring term.

  • Spring 2026 Grad Online Registration Period Begins: Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Graduate students in the Hamilton Holt School and Crummer School get a slight head start on course selection.
  • Spring 2026 Online Registration Period Begins (Undergraduate): Thursday, October 30, 2025. This is the main window for CLA and Holt undergraduate students to register for spring courses.
  • Classes End: Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
  • Reading Day: Wednesday, April 29, 2026. A dedicated day for study before final examinations.

Commencement and Major Milestones: Celebrating Success

Commencement is the most significant milestone on the academic calendar, and Rollins College hosts separate ceremonies for its major schools. Prospective graduates and their families should note these dates for 2026.

The 2026 Commencement Schedule

The 2026 Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for the second weekend of May, a tradition that brings the community together in Winter Park, FL.

  • College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Commencement: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. The ceremony is typically held at Showalter Stadium.
  • Hamilton Holt School Commencement: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. This ceremony is held in Warden Arena.
  • Crummer School of Business Commencement: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Note on 2025 Commencement: For those on a slightly earlier track, the CLA Commencement for 2025 was scheduled for Sunday, May 11.

Financial Aid and Tuition Due Dates: Essential Planning

Beyond course schedules, managing financial aid and tuition payments is a critical component of the academic calendar. The Rollins College Financial Aid Office provides several key dates and deadlines for the 2025-2026 cycle.

FAFSA and Tuition Deadlines

Securing your financial package requires timely submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and adherence to tuition due dates. These deadlines are essential for all students, including international undergraduate students who may receive limited need-based aid.

  • 2025-2026 FAFSA Application Period: Available through June 30, 2026. Students should use income and tax data from 2024. Timely submission is crucial as 94% of Rollins students receive financial aid, with the average package for first-years being around $42,000.
  • Fall Tuition Due Date (CLA): July 15. This deadline typically precedes the start of the semester by a comfortable margin.
  • Spring Tuition Due Date (CLA): December 15. This deadline falls during the final exam period, so planning for this payment is vital.
  • Winter Intersession Tuition Due Date: December 15.

The timing of the financial aid process is critical. The Rollins College financial aid process involves a significant annual aid amount available to students, making adherence to these dates a priority.

Navigating the Calendar Like an Expert: Tips for Success

Mastering the Rollins College academic calendar involves more than just noting the first day of class; it means understanding the nuances between the different schools and utilizing resources like the Registrar's Office.

Understanding Program Differences

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) operates on a traditional semester system with a defined Fall Break and Reading Day. The Hamilton Holt School, which serves undergraduate and graduate non-traditional students, often uses modular schedules or different session lengths, meaning their drop/add and withdrawal deadlines may be more frequent and program-specific. Always check the calendar section dedicated to your specific program—whether it's CLA, Holt Undergraduate, Holt Graduate, or the Crummer EAMBA/Flex/PMBA programs—to avoid errors.

Registration Strategy

The online registration period is a competitive time, especially for popular courses. Since the Spring 2026 registration begins in late October 2025, students should consult with their academic advisors well in advance. Having a backup plan for course selection is a proactive strategy to ensure a smooth registration experience. The Registrar's Office is the primary resource for all course schedule and registration inquiries.

The Importance of Withdrawal Deadlines

The "Last Day to Withdraw from a Course ('W' Deadline)" is arguably the most important date for course management. By the deadline of Friday, November 7, 2025, for the fall term, students must decide if they can successfully complete a course. A 'W' notation does not impact your GPA, while a failing grade does. This deadline is a safety net for students struggling with a challenging course.

By keeping this updated 2025-2026 Rollins College Academic Calendar handy, you can proactively manage your academic, financial, and personal life, ensuring a successful and stress-free year at the prestigious institution in Winter Park, Florida.

The Ultimate 2025-2026 Rollins College Academic Calendar: 12 Critical Dates Every Student Must Know
rollins college academic calendar
rollins college academic calendar

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